Never underestimate the power of chicken math - and always be prepared for the unexpected. Our first batch turned out to be nine cockerels and one pullet so we ended up starting over from scratch. These were sext chicks too. Then David got itchy feet and wanted more chickens. So we've built a second coop. Currently, we have 10 one day old chicks in a brooder in the house, one broody hen sitting on 5 eggs, and seven eggs in an incubator. Lol.
Yep. I think he said he just lost one from the TSC group. I don't doubt that shipping stress was the cause. A lot of people use hemp bedding with no problem. He said he felt like it was bedding so I recommended a switch. Either way, they are all doing great now and I am very happy to see it. So many people from this site jumped in and helped diagnose the issue. That's one thing I love about this site is all the helpful people. And very little negativity. People like you and others have always been here to answer my questions. Know it is appreciated.
We ordered from Cackle hatchery and had good luck but that was in the end of July. We probably got very lucky because Florida was exceptionally hot this summer. Our other two batches of chicks, we drove several hours to pick them up because I was a nervous wreck throughout the entire shipping process. We just drove 3 hours one way to pick up our silver Bielefelders on Monday. Last June, we drove all the way to Mississippi 5 hours one way to get our cream leg bars.
My issue with ordering them is that our post office is flat out terrible with anything more complicated than delivering a letter.
Ours is rural and guess they are experienced with handling live animals. Lots of our postal workers are either veterans or farmers that no longer farm.
Last time I thought your tough run was over, but it wasn't. So sorry you still had some rough times, nice to see things going well so far in larger setup. I am sure they will appreciate the space as you already noticed.
Ty do much for the update!
