Thanks for the helpful and concise response! I did suspect as much. Regardless, I'll treasure it from a sentimental standpoint - and it's rather appealing, especially at this time of year!
Further clarification - I suspect it's rather modern due to the positioning and size of the himotoshi, but would like confirmation. I've no intent of selling it regardless of value- it was a gift and I'm actually quite fond of the larger chick's grumpy face.
I've recently come into possession of the object below and would like help identifying any information (maker, age etc.) as I'm very much a novice to the world of netsuke collection. I've been informed that it is made from keyaki wood. It features a chick within the egg, carved loose in such a way that when the netsuke is suspended, the chick's head hangs out.