Baby Chicks in the Mail...

[Viergacht]

Those poor, poor babies.
I was planning on getting some eggs or chicks this fall but unless things change there's no way I'd risk it.

 

[jonalisa]

I received something about the budget cuts threatening the continued sending of day old chicks, from Metzer's. there was a link where you could find all the appropriate representatives and senators. we all need to do that.

Yes, and not later. Tomorrow. Please call your senators and representatives tomorrow. Ask them what they are going to do about it and when will they act? Every call is important.

And if not us, then who?

 

[Broxi]

I am also concerned. I have baby chicks set to ship on Monday that I ordered months ago. It's a small shipment and the hatchery states they ship with grogel anyway. I guess I'll call them to see what kind of plan they may have to help support the babies or if I should cancel and try to source locally where I can pick up birds. I really wanted the rare breeds I ordered, but I also don't want them to die during shipping.

 

[jonalisa]

Ok, everyone, today is the day! I just called both my House Rep and Senators offices and they were engaged and very happy to take down and share my comments. PLEASE, PLEASE call your Reps and Senators TODAY. It only takes a few minutes!
We have the ability to use our numbers to speak out against this terrible situation and prevent more chick deaths... but we must do it TOGETHER.

Don't know what to say?
I called and said: I raise chickens and I belong to a nationwide group of people who order and raise chickens. I explain how chicks are ordered and the critical timeline that must be followed to ensure chicks arrive alive. I also explained that many are considering cancellation and how that will also devastate the industry.
Please speak from the heart and make it clear that you want action now to restore competent postal service!
Don't know who or how to contact your Senator and Rep? I have included links below.

Please. If we all do this it will be one loud voice resonating across the country. Share this info and tell others.

House Reps
Senators

 

[jonalisa]

I called Meyer Hatchery in Ohio. They said they guarantee the life of the chicks for 48 hours, starting from the time the customer picks them up at the post office. So a refund would be given - however, this was a customer service rep and she said the company has made no official comment or created no official policy on the issue.

Realistically, that policy may change as the death of chicks in the thousands goes unabated.

 

[jonalisa]

Representative Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat who raises chickens on her own small organic farm, said her office recently started receiving numerous complaints about such losses. She’s raising the issue in a letter she’s circulating among congressional colleagues that she plans to send Friday to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

 

[jonalisa]

MyPetChicken informs me that, as far as they know, the delivery issues are only with large farm orders, which they don't do. That said, they stand by their money-back guarantee within 48 hours of delivery. Also, they want people to know they are monitoring the situation and are waiting for more definite information from official sources - which has not really been forthcoming yet.
They also said if anyone feels uncomfortable, they will accept cancellations, but at this point, they don't feel there is an issue.
When they know more they will post it on their website.

 

[jonalisa]

I am also concerned. I have baby chicks set to ship on Monday that I ordered months ago. It's a small shipment and the hatchery states they ship with grogel anyway. I guess I'll call them to see what kind of plan they may have to help support the babies or if I should cancel and try to source locally where I can pick up birds. I really wanted the rare breeds I ordered, but I also don't want them to die during shipping.

I posted an update, but MyPetChicken believes this issue is only happening with very large farm orders. Hard to know for sure, since small shipment deaths may not be reported?

 

[jonalisa]

Those poor, poor babies.
I was planning on getting some eggs or chicks this fall but unless things change there's no way I'd risk it.

I posted about my conversation with MyPetChicken. They believe the issue is only affecting very large farm orders. Call your hatchery and ask what their experience has been before you cancel.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Personally I'm just glad I'm hatching all my eggs for me and started pullets right now... Not selling them online.