Care advice for shipped chickens?

[diamondsilkies]

Yesterday, I purchased 6 white silkie chicks from Indigo Egg (Bobbi Porto). They are a month old already, and are scheduled to get here sometime tomorrow (according to the tracking number). I am so excited for them to be here! However, I have only had day old chicks from hatcheries shipped to me before, which came with lots of electrolyte packets and specific instructions which I can no longer remember.

My question is, is there anything specific I should do for them once they get here to combat the stress of shipment? I just recently ran out of Nutri Drench. I can get a better deal on it on Amazon, so I ordered some today, but it won't be here until Saturday. Is that okay? Somewhere I have some electrolytes, but it's at least 3 years old.

Any advice would be appreciated! I will definitely share pictures when they get here!

 

[cavemanrich]

Give them Clean Fresh Water. I think it should be fine. Chick starter feed. You can choose medicated at your option. Prevents Cocci.
Are these vaccinated for Mareks??? I know from reading your posts that it was an issue.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, OF COURSE..

 

[diamondsilkies]

@cavemanrich Thank you for the kind words! Yes, these ones are vaccinated for Marek's. Finally found a good breeder that vaccinates!

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree, just water, but right away. Even dipping their beaks, to make sure they all got a drink.

 

[diamondsilkies]

Okay, thank you! Has anyone else gotten some birds from Indigo Egg? I'd love to see some photos of them while I wait!

 

[aart]

Okay, thank you! Has anyone else gotten some birds from Indigo Egg?

Most of these are old but....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/41280622/?q=Indigo+Egg&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

[diamondsilkies]

Thanks! The chicks arrived around 10 AM this morning and are happily preening themselves in the brooder. All six look super healthy and alert, not to mention beautiful! They began eating and drinking relatively quickly after being paced in the brooder. I'll see if I can upload a couple pictures!