I ordered a few extra just in case there were losses. I wanted 8, ordered 10. I still have 10 (they also threw in some packing peanuts). But I went in with other people, so we had an order of 28 total. From McMurray. Overall was a good experience. We got them when we were told we would, and I had the brooder ready/proper heat the night before the chicks were due to arrive. I picked the chicks up within 15 minutes of the PO calling! (I only live 5 minutes away).
Some chicks may just be weak, as you'll read on here, there is absolutely nothing you can do. We also included with our order the gro gel (the chicks loved it!!!) and gro chick I think it was called, the supplement you put in their water for the first couple of weeks. Our chicks are now 8 weeks old, healthy and happy, and living in the coop. Beautiful little miniature versions of their adult counterparts they are!
Have a thermometer...it sure helps to know what the temp is....rather than guess why the chicks are acting the way they are....and make sure the flooring they are on is not slippery. Shavings, paper towels...something, but not newspaper or something that can be slippery. They need some grip. And watch for pasty butt.... with our chicks we raised last year, we didn't have ANY pasty butt whatsoever, but they were hatched chicks, not shipped, which may have made a difference. This year's chicks, I was cleaning butts all day long for a few days, they were pasting up faster than I could clean them!
Angie