Countdown to Baby Chicks 2023 edition

[yakitori]

This is my firs time getting shipped chicks. I made my own heating cave with two heating mats, the chickies get sandwiched in between. I just managed to get 6 limp ones back to life, thank goodness. The top heating mat is hammocked on in a tea towel, hopefully to mimic what mama would provide.

I used to have heating bulbs but silly me gave them away last year

 

[yakitori]

Chick Tax!

 

[mrskenmore]

oh my cuteness! What a wonderful video!

There is nothing better than baby chicks!!

 

[mrskenmore]

I ordered 3 Bielefelder and 1 BLue Australorp pullets this morning from Mt. Healthy. Expected arrival is May 16th. 111 days. Not that I'm counting!

I LOVE my Mt. Healthy Bielefelder hen!!

 

[Sally PB]

I LOVE my Mt. Healthy Bielefelder hen!!

Down to 96 days!!

 

[Pipica]

Aww it's a little Buff Laced

By any chance you dare to guess a sex???

 

[Iluveggers]

I've read that shipped chicks don't initially get enough heat from a heat plate. They are weak and stressed and need a stronger source of heat, apparently. There are even hatcheries that require you agree that you will be using a heat lamp.

I used a heat plate last year when I hatched. I still plan to use it this year, but I also have a heat lamp that I'm going to use the first couple of days after my chicks arrive. It may not be really necessary, but for a couple of days I can watch a properly secured lamp to be sure it's safe.

That’s one of the reason I like getting chicks in June. They don’t get as chilled in the mail, and I’ve used a heat plate with batches from McM & Ideal with no issues. After about a week, they don’t even go under it much since it’s usually 80ish during the day. I’d be much more nervous if it was super cold outside.

 

[DavidReaves]

That’s one of the reason I like getting chicks in June. They don’t get as chilled in the mail,

I'm hoping that buying in Texas, for delivery in Texas, may mitigate risk of cold weather. The average highs and lows for my ship date are 60s/40s. The chicks I ordered should be inside the postal distribution center much longer than on a truck. Hopefully their warehouses have heat!

 

[GemmaGA]

Good luck!!!!!!!!!! I tried a few from ebay..... had horrible luck with 2 (one wasn't the breed I requested but at least got 2 to hatch and 1 I got zero to hatch or develop.......) BUT then I found the BEST breeder on ebay and got eggs from her twice and had 28/34 hatch!!!! I am getting another 18 from her in a couple weeks and can't wait!!!!!!!

I got my first shipment today of polish eggs - they all look like they are in pretty good shape! Candled them and don't see anything disturbing. Probably will set them sometime tomorrow or Saturday - waiting on some other shipments.

I would love to know who you are buying from on eBay! Send me a DM and let me know? I have a ton of eggs coming but if the hatch rates totally suck, I will be trying again!!!

 

[igorsMistress]

Chicks were supposed to be here today, tracking says tomorrow now