Dead and dying chicks from a "hatchery"

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There is so much talk about dead and dying chicks this winter. I know it's hard on the caretakers with the chick's deaths, and I'm sorry for your loss, but really, chicks should be shipped in the Springtime. In fact, I believe some hatcheries should have a 'season' time to sell them. It's just too hard on the babies to be shipped in cold weather, and especially when they're going without food or water for up to 3 or 4 days. Someone should make a sticky about that in this section...

But I am very sorry.
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I'm even at fault with this problem. I received chicks in February from a hatchery, and was totally naive about the whole 'cold weather' situation. Luckily none died, but now that I'm aware of it, I will never again buy from a hatchery in the wintertime. It's just too stressful-for the chicks and for the humans.
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If hatcheries are shipping during winter, they need to modify their shipping methods. I ship fish in and out all of the time (err, well, used to), and during the winter, express mail is used with a heat pack. Summer months (if it's not TOO hot) you can usually get away with Priority mail and nothing special. Should be similar with the chicks, 1-2 day shipping with a cozy heat pack would probably be fine for them.

As far as attacking someone for shipping in winter, why? Some times, this board is such a loving and friendly place, and other times, it seems like people are out for blood. Most people would assume that a professional hatchery would know what they're doing when shipping chicks in the winter.
These hatcheries are not going to stop winter shipments, so, if anything, we need to put the pressure on them to use proper shipping methods.
 
I do order chicks this time of year, and have not had a problem. But I know that they come from New Mexico to Colorado, and it takes only one day from hatch. They come to the distribution center about 30 minutes from my local PO, and I drive to get them a day early. So, they don't have to wait until the next morning. Possibly a little research as to where the chicks are coming from, and where they will reach by the first day could help the situation. It also helps to get to know the postal workers that will be handling your chicks. Take them some brownies, make them your friend. <br>

Sorry this happened. And you definitely need to work with a different hatchery. Not so sure why you are hesitant to tell everyone who they are. This is the way good businesses succeed and bad ones fail. Through reputation. <br>
 
I read recently that (I think) the ASPCA and/or other animal welfare groups would like to end the shipment of live chicks by post, which would make it really hard for anyone to buy or sell chickens except to their own local clientele. If the hatcheries want to stay in business it's in their best interest to change their policies and practices so that their chicks have a better chance of surviving shipment. I really hope they get on top of this.
 
They would have been fine if the hatchery had not left them in a truck for 48 hours in the cotton picking snow!

First of all, the hatchery didn't leave them in a truck enroute for 48 hours or 4 days, the USPS did. Why blame the hatchery for poor shipping service?

The "heat pack" keeps the birds warm for up to five days.

Even with a heat pack, there is no chick that can survive for 5 days without food.​
 
I am sorry to here of your losses. Shipping anything is a gamble. Hatching eggs are often destroyed in shipping also, even with the best packing methods. It is a hard and bitter lesson to learn for any of us.

We would request that this discussion ends here while it is still civil.
 
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