Chicks lost in the mail - is there any chance they're still alive?

[TexasBlues]

I received my 25+1 chicks this morning. ALL DEAD mcmurrays shipped them Wednesday from Iowa to Missouri. 6 days 1 state away USPS KILLED THEM

That’s tragic and so common.

 

[marilyn1954]

Mcmurrays is delivering 26 more to me next week. I’d drive to get them but it’s a 10 hour round trip so I’ll have to cross my fingers they get here within the 48 hour guarantee

 

[Bawkbok]

oh my goodness, what a loss. I'm so sorry. Hoping the next bunch survives. There's no reason for it to take 6 days - that's insane.

 

[McChooky]

Oh for sure, I don't at all expect people to stop shipping birds and I definitely don't think all experiences of it are like mine. But I do think it's true that it's probably not good for them and it's worth considering local options. But to each his own

To err is human, to forgive divine! Shipping chicks in mild weather will give you better results (no earlier than April or May and no later than Sept or Oct .The heat of summer can kill healthy chicks even when delivered on time.Murray McMurray rocks! I've ordered over 200 shipped baby chicks and never had any dead chicks

 

[marilyn1954]

McMurrays has nothing to do with it. I’ve never had a problem with McMurray and it’s where I’ve always ordered from. I have nothing bad to say about them. When I told them they were all dead she said another would be shipped to me March 17. I said I had looked online and it showed there were no more to order. Her reply is they are replacing all the ones that were DOA due to getting to people late. The USPS is the problem. Mine sat in Iowa for 4 days at the post office before they shipped them, they were dead before they even left Iowa. I have to wonder why so many post offices are just waiting to ship after they are dead. It’s not like chirping chicks can be forgotten. Local buying would be nice but I don’t know any local hatchery around me. Out of 100 chicks ive bought from McMurray I only had 2 die on the shipping to my house. Maybe I’ll look and see if there’s a hatchery within a 2 hr drive and I can pick up myself instead of shipping. But McMurray is top notch.

 

[charlie1051]

Short answer: I started by finding quality hatching eggs and an inexpensive incubator on Craigslist. Now I hatch my own eggs.

Long answer:
1. Local Hatcheries and Farms:

• Direct Purchase: Many local hatcheries and farms offer chicks for sale. This allows for personal inspection and immediate care, reducing stress on the birds.
• Pickup: Avoid shipping altogether by picking up the chicks directly from the hatchery or farm.

2. Adult Chickens:

• Established Flocks: Consider purchasing adult chickens from local sources or online marketplaces. These birds are often already acclimated and ready to lay eggs.
• Rescue Organizations: Support local animal shelters or rescues that may have adult chickens available for adoption.
  
  

3. Hatching Your Own Eggs:

• Incubators: If you have access to fertile eggs, you can hatch them yourself using an incubator. This provides a controlled environment and allows for close observation of the hatching process.
  
  
  

4. Online Communities and Forums:

• Local Listings: Many online communities and forums have sections dedicated to poultry. You can often find people in your area who are selling or giving away chicks or adult chickens.

Key Considerations:

• Health and Well-being: Ensure that any chickens you acquire are healthy and have been properly cared for.
• Ethical Sourcing: Prioritize reputable sources that prioritize the welfare of the birds.

By exploring these alternatives, you can support local businesses, reduce the stress on the birds, and potentially save money on shipping costs.

Just not feasible for most people. Great idea though.

I received my 25+1 chicks this morning. ALL DEAD mcmurrays shipped them Wednesday from Iowa to Missouri. 6 days 1 state away USPS KILLED THEM

I received my 25+1 chicks this morning. ALL DEAD mcmurrays shipped them Wednesday from Iowa to Missouri. 6 days 1 state away USPS KILLED THEM

I'm sorry for the loss. A DHL or similar type company needs to start shipping animals. They would get my business. I would do almost anything not to ever hear the word post office again. They are THE WORST . If you or your company tried to pull half the junk that they do, you would either be fired or the business would eventually go under. It is a dinosaur business model. And they need to go bye bye.