2018 Valentine's day mail-a-long

I've got 25 arriving tomorrow. This will be my first batch of chicks. I started last summer with a dozen full grown chickens and a rooster. I don't think you need to do the water part at the post office (unless you maybe live far away). All my research indicates introducing them to water when unpacking them and placing them in their new home is normally how it's done. I went with a trough feeder because they happened to be on sale at my supply store but I don't think it matters much.
I'm looking forward to everyone's else's input. And can't wait to see pictures of your new batch.

 

Hi, My chicks were shipped from Meyer today!

I hope they will arrive well, but past shipments (due to my route & delays, not Meyers).. have arrived with casualties every single time, sometimes heavy.

I wouldn't personally open the box on the way home and only check at the PO if it's required by the hatchery, I'd be more likely to accidentally get them wet and lets be real 7 or 8 minutes isn't likely the difference between life and death. Otherwise by the amount of peeping going on is a pretty good indicator of vitality.

I also would make it a brown sugar water with electrolytes. Many homemade recipes are available and very simple. If you access to any liquid vitamins or poultry nutri drench... makes a HUGE difference added to the water.

2 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon EACH salt and baking soda. Add the vitamins if you have any and serve full strength.

I usually switch to plain water after that runs out. And I will do a direct drip of liquid vitamins to the beak of any chick that looks like they may fail. Shipping can be hard.

I also might crush the crumbles a little more at first, especially if bantam breeds. And don't forget to check and clear pasty butt if it exists. Not to confused with a naval, sometimes left behind.

Anyways, those are my best tips for success beyond your original plan.

Hope they arrive LOUD and healthy!

 

Congrats Ruby!
Are these going to be your first chicks?

 

What ES4L said. Don't open the box till you get it home, and the brooder should be allready set up with tepid water, Pick up a bottle of Poultry Nutri-Drench. Save your money. Don't waste it on the electrolyte packets.

 

Post pics when you get the babies! Also congrats!

 

Do you have older birds now?
Keep an eye out for signs of Coccidiosis too.