15 chicks, DOA

[Soon2BChixMom]

I received a box of 26 chicks all dead with my first ever chick order. My 11yo was with me to pick them up. I ordered from an OH hatchery: Meyer. I live in OH. Once they left Meyer, they went to Cleveland (expected), and left that center within a couple of hours. They spent the next 31 hours "in transit" without any updates while in the USPS system. They were beginning to smell when we went to pick them up. They stayed warm since the heat packs were still warm and there were 26 chicks. My 11yo was pretty upset. I'm going to guess that they were mishandled by USPS - since they were beginning to smell, my guess is they died early in the process and might have been in proximity to dry ice, even though they shouldn't be in the same truck.

So, we have ordered chicks to pick up in a couple of weeks - definitely cannot have another shipment of dead birds when a kid is involved and we don't have any other chickens yet. I had to order from a smaller hatchery that was closer to me so that my roundtrip drive was more reasonable. Hoping that our next batch are nice and healthy.

Sorry for the experience - it sucks.

Eek. Where are you located?

 

[Nanili]

I received a box of 26 chicks all dead with my first ever chick order. My 11yo was with me to pick them up. I ordered from an OH hatchery: Meyer. I live in OH. Once they left Meyer, they went to Cleveland (expected), and left that center within a couple of hours. They spent the next 31 hours "in transit" without any updates while in the USPS system. They were beginning to smell when we went to pick them up. They stayed warm since the heat packs were still warm and there were 26 chicks. My 11yo was pretty upset. I'm going to guess that they were mishandled by USPS - since they were beginning to smell, my guess is they died early in the process and might have been in proximity to dry ice, even though they shouldn't be in the same truck.

So, we have ordered chicks to pick up in a couple of weeks - definitely cannot have another shipment of dead birds when a kid is involved and we don't have any other chickens yet. I had to order from a smaller hatchery that was closer to me so that my roundtrip drive was more reasonable. Hoping that our next batch are nice and healthy.

Sorry for the experience - it sucks.

I’m sorry that happened to you too. So horrible. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Nanili]

I am just a newb, but from what I have read, it is best to order from hatcheries near you. Ohio is quite the distance. Metzer Farms is at least located in CA. There could be more, but it is the one that I keep reading about.
Also, maybe check local feed stores. Even if they dont have chicks at the moment, they can let you know when and what kind they will be getting (or direct you to some place that has chicks.)

Thank you. I tried hatcheries closer to home but none would let me order fewer than 25. I questioned my choice of OH, but multiple people who have done it said their chicks were fine. I have a lot of guilt about it, but I don’t know what happened. The timeline was right.

 

[Nanili]

Eek. Where are you located?

In CA bay Area

 

[Nanili]

Sorry to hear that happened

Dare to dream farms in Lompoc delivers to the Bay Area, not mailed. White glove delivery

Good luck next time around.

Gary

Thank you.

 

[Nanili]

I am just a newb, but from what I have read, it is best to order from hatcheries near you. Ohio is quite the distance. Metzer Farms is at least located in CA. There could be more, but it is the one that I keep reading about.
Also, maybe check local feed stores. Even if they dont have chicks at the moment, they can let you know when and what kind they will be getting (or direct you to some place that has chicks.)

I appreciate this and agree. The more local farms wouldn’t let me order fewer than 25. I won’t make this mistake again, it was painful and heart wrenching.

 

[Nanili]

I recommend mcmurrays. Maybe it was just too cold last week.

Thank you.

 

[Nanili]

I have some chicks hatching next week. What kind are you looking for?

I was hoping for some reliable layers that are friendly and easy going. I ordered Australorps, Wyandottes, barred Rocks, ameraucanas, and welsummers. I’m open to their breeds that have these traits. Where are you located?

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I appreciate this and agree. The more local farms wouldn’t let me order fewer than 25. I won’t make this mistake again, it was painful and heart wrenching.

Yeah, I understand. Hopefully, you will find something close by. Have you tried your state thread?

 

[JerryR708]

I recommend mcmurrays. Maybe it was just too cold last week.

I thought that the weather would have been too cold as well, but wouldn't a reputable hatchery figure this in and add extra insulation or warmers? They should inform their customer of severe weather conditions and offer these accommodations even if there are additional charges. I would pay extra as insurance to keep them alive. Sometimes we are on a waiting list for rare breeds that are low in stock. If they arrive dead, you may not be able to get another batch until another season.
Sorry to hear this bad mail order experience. This has always been my biggest fear and the reason why I have wallflower hens and not any Martha Stewart trophy birds to brag about. I still may try Mypetchicken or Murray Mcmurray Farms one day, but I will check the weather report first and inquire about any extra accommodations and provide them with a special care package on their flight.