Do you account for a "loss factor" when you order chicks?

[Debs55]

Basically I was going to order 15 chicks to add to the 20 we have now. However, I was doing some math (real math not chicken math!!) and figured out that if I got 27 chicks instead of 15 each chick overall would be cheaper. However, I dont really need 47 chicks. So do you incorporate a "loss factor" when you order your chicks?

 

[felidaet]

I only buy mine from local feed stores and so shipping loss is not a factor.

Are you looking for just pullets or do you want some roosters too. Unless you are getting sex links you might want to factor in that sexing is about 90% accurate. You could end up with 10% roosters. I do figure this in when I get chicks. Even though I am allowed to have roosters I don't want any. I have found that I usually do end up with about 10% roosters. This year I would like to add about 18 birds to my flock. Therefore I will probably get about 20 chicks. If it turns out that all are pullets I will have room for them but 18 would be better. Out of the 20 chicks, only 3 or 4 will be sex links.