Soo....we got our shipment in. No DOA, there were about 51 chicks, no geese like we had requested, but it IS hatchery choice with no guarantee other than at least 40 live chicks. I had to cull one who could not stand because of a deformity and was being trampled by everyone. I tried, though, by dipping it's beak in the elecrolyte water, but it never got better. So, it was a mercy killing.We also had received 6 who have broken toes and one silkie who has extra toe fused to the back toe. We called Cackle up, told them what we had and the call rep transferred me to talk with Jeff (Big boss). He apologized profusely, said those would have come from the cull box and he will be talking to the sorting and shipping department at meeting, as they never should have made it to the customer. As a token of good faith...he bumped our Waterfowl special shipment date up...from late May to this Monday!
As far as what breeds we have..a few Mottled Houdan, possibly a Salmon Faverolle, lots of chipmunks...one polish (golden lace?). My wife thinks one is a phoenix. I haven't had much chance to go through each one...will update after I do.
Interesting! I had no DOA, and none have died. Though I will say there was one jerk pecking eyes, and I assume is the cause of many bloody eyelids. Several eyelids are stuck shut as a result. I've tried gently using a wet q-tip to open them--I seriously cannot get some eyes open, and some of the eyes seem like they will be permanently deformed. I have never seen such a thing.
