70% Dead Chicks - Meyer Hatchery

[RonC]

I think it is hard to blame the hatcheries. They ship thousands of chicks. If the chicks are shipped on time the way they are handled during and delays in shipping are more to blame.

 

[jeapa]

So sorry that happened to you. I can't imagine how sad that was to open the box to dead chicks.
I was worried about my shipment, but my 12 chicks from Meyers are still happy and healthy 8 days later.

Glad you got some new chicks.

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Hatcheries sometimes throw in a couple extra big ones/small ones to keep the rest warm, usually the extra's will die on the trip, but I've seen people with breeds they didn't order, that were probably used to keep the other warm, happy and healthy.

I'm glad they started using heat packs.

I agree with Silkiechicken, the carbon monoxide from the mail truck could have poisoned some of them.

 

[justdeb1107]

I agree with Silkiechicken, the carbon monoxide from the mail truck could have poisoned some of them.

My babies were never on the delivery truck. I picked them up from the post office within an hour of their arrival.

Anyway, I guess to make a long story short, this was my bad experience. I hope it helps someone to make an informed decision. 7 out of 10 dead is not an acceptable rate of loss to me, regardless of whose fault it was. RIP, babies.

 

[dainerra]

they may not have been on your local carrier's truck, but they WERE on a delivery truck.
It's sad but that is the reason I stopped ordering chicks through the mail. I just go to my local feed store and have them order what I want. My local PO can't get my electric bill delivered on time so no way would I trust them with a live animal!

 

[ButchGood]

Hatcheries sometimes throw in a couple extra big ones/small ones to keep the rest warm, usually the extra's will die on the trip, but I've seen people with breeds they didn't order, that were probably used to keep the other warm, happy and healthy.

I have never lost the "packing peanuts" either. My last order was 4 turkeys. They added 11 RIR Roosters for warmth and packing. They are all doing excellent. Im feeding them the 28% turkey starter and they are growing big fast. Im going to use all 11 as meat birds. I don't think they have any better chance of dieing then any other bird in the order. Like I said... I never lost a paking peanut yet.

 

[lareynadenada]

got mine last month from Cackle Hatchery they all arrived healthy and happy