Blargh. I was so excited for my very first chickens. I ordered 14 Buff Orpingtons from Ideal, and it took less than 24 hours for them to reach from the time they were shipped. Unfortunately the element (weather) was NOT on my side. The chicks when from 90-100 degree weather in texas to 50-60 degree weather here in Maine. Needless to say I had 5 dead chicks in the box, and one that I couldn't save.
So I started yesterday with 8 of my 14 chicks.
Then I was foolish enough to listen to the sales man at TSC and my FIL (who raised chickens for years) when they told be 125 watt bulb would be warm enough for the chicks, instead of listening to my instincts that were saying "I think we need a warmer bulb", so I woke up to 3 more causalties
. I am now on my second day of chicken ownership with 5 chicks of the 14 I had planned on. I need re-order some more because I alread have several people who are planning on buying eggs from once they start laying. (I already had Ideal just credit me for te 6 that died from shipping, because the weather next week isn't supposed to be better and I don't think the replacments would have made it.)
Well thank you for letting me vent. Anyone have a hatchery to recommend that doesn't have a minimum that is alittle closer to Maine?
**Note: Ideal was wonderful to deal with, they were very kind and considerate, and I will order from them again in the spring, but not this time of year**
So I started yesterday with 8 of my 14 chicks.
Then I was foolish enough to listen to the sales man at TSC and my FIL (who raised chickens for years) when they told be 125 watt bulb would be warm enough for the chicks, instead of listening to my instincts that were saying "I think we need a warmer bulb", so I woke up to 3 more causalties
Well thank you for letting me vent. Anyone have a hatchery to recommend that doesn't have a minimum that is alittle closer to Maine?
**Note: Ideal was wonderful to deal with, they were very kind and considerate, and I will order from them again in the spring, but not this time of year**
Last edited: