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Received my box of dying chicks today!!

post #1 of 57
4/30/09 at 10:24am
Thread Starter 

This is my second year of ordering chicks. Last year they all arrived healthy and energetic.

Todays box was sent on Monday and arrived this morning. When we opened it we found three already dead. Since then, three more have died and others look like they are gasping for breath.

I ordered 35 chicks. They were sent in a box that was twice the size as when I ordered 25 chicks last year. The box had a divider down it keeping them separated. They had more space than last years shipment, so they couldn't have been crowded.

Could it have been the heat? I ordered from Meyer in Ohio, I believe, and I live in central Virginia. We have been having temps in the 80's and low 90's. I haven't contacted the hatchery yet since I'm waiting for the final death count.

Any ideas what could have happened?

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post #2 of 57
4/30/09 at 10:32am

Most likely stress from shipment.Did you give them some sugar water? That should kick start the rest remaining.So sorry to hear your troubles hugs

http://maplelaneranch.webs.com/
Nubian Goats,chickens,and handmade soaps! 4-H Kids!
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http://maplelaneranch.webs.com/
Nubian Goats,chickens,and handmade soaps! 4-H Kids!
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post #3 of 57
4/30/09 at 10:33am

If you just got them today, it sounds like they took longer than they should have to arrive. The little guys were probably starving and thirsty, as they only do well for the first two days living off of the yolk after they hatched.

I'm really sorry you are having this problem. I'm kind of a newbie, but I would really try to get them drinking and eating what they can and I would stay with them and try to nurse them back to health as much as I could. I'm sure someone else more experienced on this forum can give you other ideas, too.

Did you open the box at the Post Office by any chance? The postal worker should have then documented the condition of the chicks, so you can be refunded some money or receive more chicks from Meyer.

Definitely let Meyer know, too. It could be the chicks were delayed at a post office along the way, and that's not acceptable when it's a live parcel of chicks.

I really hope the rest survive for you. Please keep us posted.

1 husband, 2 sons, 11 outdoor farm cats (most fixed), 2 indoor cats, 6 hens (brown leghorn, black-laced wyandotte, buff banty, white banty, dominique mix, turken), 2 roosters (full-size dominique mix, banty mix -- black with glimmering gold cape), and baby chicks on the way!

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1 husband, 2 sons, 11 outdoor farm cats (most fixed), 2 indoor cats, 6 hens (brown leghorn, black-laced wyandotte, buff banty, white banty, dominique mix, turken), 2 roosters (full-size dominique mix, banty mix -- black with glimmering gold cape), and baby chicks on the way!

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post #4 of 57
4/30/09 at 10:41am

I would not wait; I would call Meyer today.  McMurray did not ask for PO documentation when I lost several in shipping.

Judy
Happiness is when you can look at your chickens and smile....
Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due.

Flockwatching my little bunch of mutts, a favorite pastime.

BYC Troubleshooting article -- click here

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Judy
Happiness is when you can look at your chickens and smile....
Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due.

Flockwatching my little bunch of mutts, a favorite pastime.

BYC Troubleshooting article -- click here

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post #5 of 57
4/30/09 at 10:50am
Thread Starter 

I'll go call Meyer now.

I have been dipping all of the survivor's beaks in water every half-hour. Many choose to drink on their own. I pay extra attention to the panting/gasping ones and give them extra dips.

Why don't hatcheries offer overnight express? At least, I never saw it offered by Meyers.

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post #6 of 57
4/30/09 at 10:55am

So sorry about this.  It is so hard to see the little ones in this condition.  I hope the rest recover.

Swap Page http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/swap-page-9

Current breeds: All Large Fowl: Double Laced Blue and Black Barnevelders, Orpingtons: (Lemon Cuckoo, Black, Blue, Splash, White, Lavender, Golden Laced Black, project Crele, Birchen, Wheaten, Lemon Blue), Cream Legbars, Rhodebars, Basque, BLRW, Welsummer 

Note: All Orpingtons with the exception of White, project Birchen, Wheaten, & Lemon...

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Swap Page http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/swap-page-9

Current breeds: All Large Fowl: Double Laced Blue and Black Barnevelders, Orpingtons: (Lemon Cuckoo, Black, Blue, Splash, White, Lavender, Golden Laced Black, project Crele, Birchen, Wheaten, Lemon Blue), Cream Legbars, Rhodebars, Basque, BLRW, Welsummer 

Note: All Orpingtons with the exception of White, project Birchen, Wheaten, & Lemon...

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post #7 of 57
4/30/09 at 11:02am
Thread Starter 

I called Meyers and they were very cooperative. They gave me the option of getting my money refunded or doing a re-ship.

They said it was probably just shipping stress.

I asked about shipping overnight, and they said they didn't do that.

I guess I'll go do another beak dip.

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post #8 of 57
4/30/09 at 11:06am

I lost 21 of 25 from Meyer that were boxed Monday the 20th but I didn't get until the 23rd. I say boxed because the post mark was the 21st though Meyers sticker said the 20th.


I had 10 still alive on arrival, but 6 past despite all my attempts to keep them going.

My replacements are supposed to ship May 11th. I am holding off judgement until those arrive. I'm easily angered when it comes to my animals, even ones I don't have yet, so I'm trying not to be negative about a mistake. Other posters here have gotten chicks fast and health, so I'm keepign my fingers crossed.

5 acres, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 6 ducks, 1 husband, and an ever expanding number of chickens.
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5 acres, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 6 ducks, 1 husband, and an ever expanding number of chickens.
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post #9 of 57
4/30/09 at 11:06am

I am so sorry that happened.  That is horrible.  I'll be sending healthy chick vibes your way.

Wife to DH (30) and Mama to J.D. (cat, 11 yo), Angel(cat, 9 yo), Jasper (cat, 8 yo), Tyson (dog, 5yo), Leo (cat, 4 yo), Aiden (son, 3 yo), Lily (daughter, 1 yo), Dalila (EE, 4 wo), Miliani (EE, 4 wo), Addie (Dominique, 3 wo), Xanthe (Salmon Faverolle, 1 wo), Ballari (delaware, 1 wo), Lacey (andalusian, 1 wo)
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Wife to DH (30) and Mama to J.D. (cat, 11 yo), Angel(cat, 9 yo), Jasper (cat, 8 yo), Tyson (dog, 5yo), Leo (cat, 4 yo), Aiden (son, 3 yo), Lily (daughter, 1 yo), Dalila (EE, 4 wo), Miliani (EE, 4 wo), Addie (Dominique, 3 wo), Xanthe (Salmon Faverolle, 1 wo), Ballari (delaware, 1 wo), Lacey (andalusian, 1 wo)
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post #10 of 57
4/30/09 at 11:06am

So sorry about your chicks.

horses; 2 mares, bay dun colt  born 3/20, red dun filly born 4/10, stallion and lots of chickens!
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horses; 2 mares, bay dun colt  born 3/20, red dun filly born 4/10, stallion and lots of chickens!
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