My RIR's came from Ideal. I lost on as a chick and 4 others to either predators or sick (heart attack) and 1 pullet that turned out to be a Roo. I ordered mine the end of Sept and they were shipped Oct 1st. I have ISA Browns from Townline hatchery in Michigan and so far all are healthy. I live in Florida. I did give my chicks some vitamins and electrolytes in their water for the first few days.
However I would not necessairily point fingers at Ideal. I love them and won't order from another hatchery. I've ordered several times from them and have never lost a chick, all of the babies have been super healthy. I'm expecting chicks from them that are hatching Wednesday and I am confident it will be a wonderful experience.
I am not pointing fingers at the hatchery . I read on another post on this forum that Ideal was having alot of deaths and just wanted to see what I can do to stop loosing more babies .
As far as the company is concerned they have been great . They think the babys had a tough shipment . They are sending replacements on wed.
Welcome to BYC!!! You'll love it!
I'll PM you later about this... there is a vet up here that will send birds to Cornell for a necropsy. I had one done this spring.