Going to be ordering my first chicks, couple questions

[TwistedSerpent]

I figure its best to order them now so that by the time the coop is ready they will be old enough to be out in it before its too cold. I am planning on free ranging however I have no idea what the predator scene here is like, so for my first order I'm looking for inexpensive birds that wont crush me if I end up loosing (putting aside the known attatchments of course), and wait for next year to really get into the breed I want to work with. I am looking to get 10-15 prefered too. I am looking into some of Cackles assortments (I would like to get a mix of breeds), they have 15 heavy assorted on sale right now. Is there a better place to go with? Also I'm alone most of the time and may not be available to get to the post office to pick them up due to work, do the usually hold them for you or what?

I will probably be ordering at the end of the day with everyones good graces here.

 

[easttxchick]

I'm not sure what the heavy assortment consists of, to be honest with you, so I can't help you there.
I ordered some birds from Cackle a year ago and they are still alive and kickin'.
The post office will call you at about 5 or so in the morning to come pick your birds up there-they SHOULDN'T deliver them.
Good luck and enjoy your new babies!

 

[TwistedSerpent]

My worry is that I work wierd hours, and too often its during the main part of the day. I'm about 20 minutes from any post office leaving some days being impossible to pick them up. I'm unsure of what the usual protocal is with post offices holding onto chicks, and how long chicks can safely be in a box.

The breeds really arent that important to me, I just want a nice little assortment at first, and theyre on sale.

 

[easttxchick]

What you can do is call the Post Office when you expect the babies and ask them to call you AS SOON as they arrive-they are usually glad to get the little peepers out of there.

If you are usually available between 5-8 in the mornings-you should have no problem and can go pick them up bright and early.
Make sure you have your brooder set up ahead of time in case you just have time to dunk beaks and run out the door for work.
Chicks can live approximately 3 days while absorbing their yolk sack without food and water-the problem is it is kinda cool in the post office for them to sit all day and too hot for them to sit on your doorstep.

 

[TwistedSerpent]

which leads me to my next question, I have no idea which post office they will be delivered to, I am in between a few towns. Sorry about the questions its all new territory! It's a lot different then shipping snakes.

 

[easttxchick]

No problem-better to ask before than while driving frantically around town at 6 in the morning looking for your chicks!
Make sure you ask the hatchery what PO they will deliver to and call that PO and tell them you are expecting live birds.
Whatever town you zip code is attached to is PROBABLY the one they will ship to, but just double check.

 

[TwistedSerpent]

I should really just stop worrying and place an order, goodness.

 

[easttxchick]

If you do go ahead and push the buy button, please post what you ordered.
It will work out OK and you'll be so glad when they all arrive, fluffy and peeping.

 

[TwistedSerpent]

Actually at a second glance I think I'm going to go with McMurreys special assorted bargin. More chicks for less and they have shipping dates that will fit my scheduale much better. More then Iwanted to start with but assuming that half are males I will end up with the same numbers anyways.