Appropriate age to sell peachicks

[old biddy]

I have seen ads selling peachicks between 4 - 6 weeks old, and others selling day old chicks. I am wondering if there is a reason to wait for them to be 4 - 6 weeks old before selling. Is it to make sure the chicks are thriving?

 

[9SpiceyChickens]

@casportpony

 

[KsKingBee]

Yes, the first two weeks are critical and shipping can cause added stress. The breeders that sell day old chicks usually sell them through a broker like Cackel or McMurry so they are protected from loss claims. Mortality is pretty high in shipped peachicks, it is always better to buy well started birds that are past the critical time of contracting cocci.

 

[old biddy]

Yes, the first two weeks are critical and shipping can cause added stress. The breeders that sell day old chicks usually sell them through a broker like Cackel or McMurry so they are protected from loss claims. Mortality is pretty high in shipped peachicks, it is always better to buy well started birds that are past the critical time of contracting cocci.

Thanks, KsKingBee. I thought that might be the case. I have some potential buyers who want day old chicks. This is my first year selling the peachicks and I want to do whatever is best not only for the buyer but for the peachicks.

 

[Midnightman14]

I wait until my IB peachicks are two weeks old before I will advertise for selling (locally only won't ship them that young). Any color mutation birds I hatch I do not sell until they are old enough for me to reliably sex. I don't ship any birds until they are at least 3 months old. No guarantees of any kind on them.

 

[SimoneG]

I've on;y had them shipped to me and was told it was best to wait at least 8-12 weeks. 1- then they can usually sex them, 2- better chance of making it thru shipping. I did get a few that were in the 4-6 week old range and the 4 week old one didn't make the trip after that I learned my lesson. When mine are (hopefully) hatching out chicks this summer I'll wait till 8-12 weeks before shipping/selling.

 

[old biddy]

I've on;y had them shipped to me and was told it was best to wait at least 8-12 weeks. 1- then they can usually sex them, 2- better chance of making it thru shipping. I did get a few that were in the 4-6 week old range and the 4 week old one didn't make the trip after that I learned my lesson. When mine are (hopefully) hatching out chicks this summer I'll wait till 8-12 weeks before shipping/selling.

When you do ship them, what is the procedure? Are there special crates you have to buy? Special mailing instructions, etc.?

 

[SimoneG]

When you do ship them, what is the procedure? Are there special crates you have to buy? Special mailing instructions, etc.?

Hi! There is a special procedure. This will be my fist year so anyone feel free to correct/add if you have other tips! First you need your NPIP certification from the dept of Ag in your state. Some states require more but the dept of Ag will be able to tell you for your state. Birds must be shipped in approved USPS boxes (link at the bottom) you want to find out what time they'll be picked up at your post office and get them there close to that time (don't let them sit in the boxes for any longer than needed) get them used to eating lettuce a couple weeks prior (grogel if chicks) so they'll have a food & water source in the box. Ship overnight, next day or 2 day at the longest. and watch the temps when shipping. (yours and their travelling lane temps) don't want too hot or too cold.
https://www.hm-e.net/our-boxes-1.html

 

[old biddy]

Hi! There is a special procedure. This will be my fist year so anyone feel free to correct/add if you have other tips! First you need your NPIP certification from the dept of Ag in your state. Some states require more but the dept of Ag will be able to tell you for your state. Birds must be shipped in approved USPS boxes (link at the bottom) you want to find out what time they'll be picked up at your post office and get them there close to that time (don't let them sit in the boxes for any longer than needed) get them used to eating lettuce a couple weeks prior (grogel if chicks) so they'll have a food & water source in the box. Ship overnight, next day or 2 day at the longest. and watch the temps when shipping. (yours and their travelling lane temps) don't want too hot or too cold.
https://www.hm-e.net/our-boxes-1.html

I am already feeling nervous about shipping...would hate for one of my birds to die as a result. When you ship a bird(s) do you followup with the purchaser throughout the shipping process? Or assume all is well unless you hear from them?

 

[gcmitchell7]

I wait until my IB peachicks are two weeks old before I will advertise for selling (locally only won't ship them that young). Any color mutation birds I hatch I do not sell until they are old enough for me to reliably sex. I don't ship any birds until they are at least 3 months old. No guarantees of any kind on them.

Personally I don't sell them until they are at least 3 months old - could be just me but it seems that they are stronger at this age.