Chicks coming home tomorrow!! What to expect?

[floral_chickadee]

I have worked all month long to prepare for these chicks. The brooder is all set up, I’ve already bought food and have the heat lamp ready to go. The chicks are set to arrive TOMORROW!! Which although I’m super excited, makes me a little nervous! This is my first time doing this completely, nonetheless through the mail. What should I expect?

Edit: here’s what you all asked for!
(some of them have blots of veggie food coloring on them to tell them apart! Makes their downy spiky )

 

[Lisa3315]

Congrats! Get ready for so much cuteness How many chicks are you getting? What breeds?

 

[CluckerFamily]

This is very exciting!!

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Cuteness!!! Adorable chicks!

Ok. I've never done a mail order before, but I've done plenty of chicks. First off, check the chicks AT the Post Office in front of the post man/employee working there to make certain that they're all ok and to see if you need to make any claims. Be more careful with them than a usual chick, because they've come a long way. Give them water and feed as soon as possible. You'll have to dip their beaks into their water. Some places ship supplements that can help your chicks out as they settle in. If you wasn't able to get some, you might be able to get some at a feed store or TSC. I can't think of what they call it right now, but I'm sure a store clerk can help you out with that. Minimize anything that would stress your chicks out. Make certain that they get placed in a brooder with about 95°F temperature.

Make certain to take then post pictures of them for us overhere to see too.

 

[MountainWoman73]

Such fun. We want a picture when they get here!

I've gotten mailed chicks twice. My post office calls me at 5 or 6 am... But then I had to wait until they opened at 8.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Oh wow! I am following this! Make sure to post a lot of photos! Hope they all arrive safely! I have never had mailed chicks, but I am sure it is nerve racking!

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Nice! It's good to have some electrolytes on hand, or if you need it, you could make some sugar water if you get any weak ones. I'll pray that the chicks get to you safely!

 

[floral_chickadee]

Congrats! Get ready for so much cuteness How many chicks are you getting? What breeds?

Planning on 6 chicks! A lavender Orpington, Olive Egger, Blue Ameraucana, 2 Blue Cuckoo Marans and a Bantam Frizzle Cochin! Quite the mix!

 

[floral_chickadee]

Cuteness!!! Adorable chicks!

Ok. I've never done a mail order before, but I've done plenty of chicks. First off, check the chicks AT the Post Office in front of the post man/employee working there to make certain that they're all ok and to see if you need to make any claims. Be more careful with them than a usual chick, because they've come a long way. Give them water and feed as soon as possible. You'll have to dip their beaks into their water. Some places ship supplements that can help your chicks out as they settle in. If you wasn't able to get some, you might be able to get some at a feed store or TSC. I can't think of what they call it right now, but I'm sure a store clerk can help you out with that. Minimize anything that would stress your chicks out. Make certain that they get placed in a brooder with about 95°F temperature.

Make certain to take then post pictures of them for us overhere to see too.

Oh wow! I am following this! Make sure to post a lot of photos! Hope they all arrive safely! I have never had mailed chicks, but I am sure it is nerve racking!

Such fun. We want a picture when they get here!

I've gotten mailed chicks twice. My post office calls me at 5 or 6 am... But then I had to wait until they opened at 8.

Don’t worry! Pictures will be here soon!

 

[Lisa3315]

Planning on 6 chicks! A lavender Orpington, Olive Egger, Blue Ameraucana, 2 Blue Cuckoo Marans and a Bantam Frizzle Cochin! Quite the mix!

Wow! What a fun flock you're going to have! You'll have to post pics when they arrive I've never gotten chicks through the mail, but I did just get my own chicks about 9 weeks ago and they are so much fun! If your experience is anything like mine, expect to completely lose track of time just watching them for hours!
X2 @Lacy Duckwing's advice, have NutriDrench/Chick Boost/electrolyte mix on hand and make sure your brooder is pre-heated so you can pop them right in there to warm up when they get home.