First time ordering by mail...questions

[pigcoon]

I just ordered 6 chicks from Meyer and I'm excited. My current flock is down to 2 (barred rocks) and I am branching out. Ordered 2 Buff Orpington, 2 silver laced wyandotte, 2 golden wyandotte.

I have never ordered by mail, only used local feed supply. Is there anything special I need to know going this route? Will they need anything special other than food, crumbles, heat? I know there could be some dead ones, which is sad. Anything else?

I am eager to expand my flock again, though I wasn't planning it for this year. I've had some of my older girls just recently die, and don't want to have one lonely hen (the younger of the two that are left) so here we go again!

 

[itspebbl]

I have ordered from Meyer, and they were great! All four chicks arrived alive and well. If any are dead on arrival, I believe Meyer will refund you or send new chicks. There is nothing special you need to do with shipped chicks, just making sure they know where the food and water is.
Hope they all arrive safe!

 

[cholland]

Just get them drinking and eating. You may want some Chick Saver or Nurtidrench on hand in case they need a boost. Watch for pasty butt.

I highly recommend the MHP / heat plate method over a heat lamp.

 

[Folly's place]

Make sure to visit your local post office and give them all your phone numbers, and ask them to call you the minute the chicks arrive. Then have your brooder warmed up, and get them immediately.
Get the tracking number from the hatchery, and follow it! My Cackle order this April arrived the day after shipping, not to the right post office. They called, and DH drove there right away, so all was well.
Mix-ups happen; don't let it be you!
Having the brooder ready to go is important. The chicks need to have their beaks dipped into the water dish as you are moving them to the brooder, so they know where it is. Scatter some feed around on the bedding, so it's easily found. They will be ready to eat and drink on arrival.
Having something like Nutridrench available is a good idea, in case it's needed. I don't add anything to their water unless they look very unwell.
Good luck!
Mary

 

[itspebbl]

 

[webbysmeme]

I just ordered 6 chicks from Meyer and I'm excited. My current flock is down to 2 (barred rocks) and I am branching out. Ordered 2 Buff Orpington, 2 silver laced wyandotte, 2 golden wyandotte.

I have never ordered by mail, only used local feed supply. Is there anything special I need to know going this route? Will they need anything special other than food, crumbles, heat? I know there could be some dead ones, which is sad. Anything else?

I am eager to expand my flock again, though I wasn't planning it for this year. I've had some of my older girls just recently die, and don't want to have one lonely hen (the younger of the two that are left) so here we go again!

I ordered mine from cackle hatchery. I ordered 9 girls and a boy. I got 12 of I'm not sure what! But they are all healthy and growing so fast. They are 3 weeks old. The main thing everyone told me was have their place warm waiting for them. Deep a beak or two in water, once the others see them drinking, they will join in. The hatchery told me to wait one hour on food. Just water for one hour. I was told to put 1 tablespoon of organic vinegar to 1 gallon of water. I'm still doing that and I haven't had any health issues. Congratulations papa!

 

[nekker57]

Mine arrived the next day after shipping. I had informed my post office that I would be receiving chickens, gave them phone numbers so they could contact me. I ordered 10 Dominique pullets and they sent extra chickens for warmth so I received 21 baby chicks. I gave them sugar water for about an hour before they got feed. They are now 6 days old and growing wing feathers already.

 

[webbysmeme]

Mine arrived the next day after shipping. I had informed my post office that I would be receiving chickens, gave them phone numbers so they could contact me. I ordered 10 Dominique pullets and they sent extra chickens for warmth so I received 21 baby chicks. I gave them sugar water for about an hour before they got feed. They are now 6 days old and growing wing feathers already.

What? That many extras! What state are you in? It must still be cold there. I'm in Illinois so, I guess that's why. It was cold three weeks ago. Is still getting down in the 30-40's at night.

 

[nekker57]

What? That many extras! What state are you in? It must still be cold there. I'm in Illinois so, I guess that's why. It was cold three weeks ago. Is still getting down in the 30-40's at night.

I live in TENN. Was very surprised with that many extras. The extras are supposed to be roos, not sure of what breeds.

 

[webbysmeme]

I live in TENN. Was very surprised with that many extras. The extras are supposed to be roos, not sure of what breeds.

Tn. Is my home! Jackson. I miss it so much. You are in for some fun. Learning boys from girls and all that fun stuff!