You can pass unwanted gifts to people who need them in many ways. But what if the gift is an animal, and 5 of them, for that matter? What if the gifter insists that you keep the animals even if you make it clear that you cannot? What would be the most compassionate way to get them to a loving home?
This happened to OP, and she was at a crossroads if her decision was correct.
Precious Yet Unwanted Gift
So OP’s mother-in-law called and said she had a surprise for OP’s toddler. Then she brought 5 baby chicks as a gift to the toddler. She felt bad for the toddler who did not have a pet while his cousin had a pet cat.
OP had made it clear that she did not want to get a pet for her toddler yet because of their living conditions. They live in a one-bedroom condo that does not have a balcony. Secondly, the toddler is only 3 and cannot fully care for the chicks. And lastly, OP works all day, so she has no time for the chicks.
They Won’t Be Here for Long After All…
When she brought the chicks, OP told her that she would be giving them away, but MIL was not having any of that.. She called OP dramatic and added that they were just chicks that would die in 2 weeks anyways.
MIL added that the toddler was happy to receive the gift, so OP should suck it up. Of course, a toddler would be happy to receive such a gift.
Mil Doesn’t Care About the Chicks
But it was clear MIL did not care about the chicks in any way. For starters, she said they were going to die in 2 weeks. Secondly, she brought them in a cardboard box without food or water. She was also comfortable with the chicks living in a home where people had no time and ability to care for them.
Now that OP has decided to return the chicks to her MIL, her toddler has been heartbroken. Will OP be the ***hole for sending the chicks back?
The Masses Weigh In
Who would be the ***hole in this situation? The MIL for insisting OP keeps the chicks, or OP for sending back a gift?
Here is what Redditors had to say.
Chickens Can Live Up to 10 Years!
There was something off with MIL’s approach to this. Chickens have a lifespan of 5-10 years, so why exactly did she think these chicks would die in 2 weeks? Was it her first time doing this? Why did she want to have a toddler attached to chicks for them to face trauma if the chicks died in 2 weeks?
One user who could not wrap their head around MIL’s approach to this said, “Wtf – they were going to die in 2 weeks?? What’s wrong with that woman? Chickens live for 10 to 12 years when cared for. Why did this woman think they would die like an old party balloon? They are animals who need to be outside. Even if you have a garden, I don’t think she also realizes how loud five chickens are. NTA.”
The Chicks Deserve a Loving Home
OP later updated her post, saying she had returned the chicks to her MIL after asking for them.
Many commenters were, however, not impressed by OP’s decision to send the chicks to her MIL, who had no space and compassion.
One said, “NTA, but please call some animal control on your MIL. Otherwise, the chicks will probably die soon.”
You Could Have Done Better
Another section thought OP was wrong for sending back the chicks to her MIL when she knew they would suffer to death. One of them said, “YTA. You have left these animals to die slowly at MIL’s condo. No outside area. They will die without food, water, and heat!! You refuse to call her condo assn, animal control, or anything else that might disturb your nice life in any way. Why are you even here without plans to do the right thing?”
“I mean, this kinda makes YTA. You know you’re resigning those chicks to misery until they die in your mil’s “care” just to avoid a conflict with her.” Another added.
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This article was produced and syndicated by A Dime Saved.
