Hatchery chicken packing

[JacinLarkwell]

So probably a stupid question, but what happens if you order a number of chica that doesn't fit perfectly in a section Of a shipping box? Like 28 or 30 or 22? Each section can fit 25, so do they just cram those extra chicks in and make 28 fit? Or are they spread out more and at a risk of getting cold?

 

[The Moonshiner]

I assumed that they shipped because my friends that have ordered from them have gotten marked with that for shipping, and they detailed their packing and shipping process to me when I asked.

MPC doesn't ship. The chicks come from Meyers.
All the regular breeds actually are from Meyers flocks.
The overpriced designer chicks are not from Meyer owned flocks but are still hatched and ship from their facility.

 

[Kiki]

I'm not sure what exactly you are asking but there is not just one size shipping box. There are many sizes.

 

[black_cat]

This is what I got from MyPetChicken a while ago when I was asking about their use of heat packs in orders.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Cackle shipped my ducklings 4-1-2020 with a heat pack and grogel in the small box (one compartment about 8"x12").

Whatever hatchery you are looking at ordering from should be willing to answer the questions about boxing, heat packs, grogel and anything else you ask.....if they want your business.

 

[The Moonshiner]

If you mean they're putting more thought into profits then the chicks safety how's that work?
Their $$$ comes from selling chicks and making a profit so how profitable do you think they'd be if chicks are dying in transit? Dead chicks don't bring in money they cause expense. Dead chicks also cost future customers.

 

[black_cat]

I have no idea but this is a super great question. Watching! You could ask mypetchicken-they have excellent customer service and have told me anything I asked about the shipping process.

 

[BleuSaphir]

I didn't know chicks got heat packs. I've never had any in my orders I've participated in

It mainly that MyPetChicken does it. Since they are one of the few that allow a really small order. Most hatcheries want you order a minimum of 15 chicks or more. And those definitely don’t offer heat pack it seems.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Most hatcheries don't include heat packs. They include extra males, or have a high minimum for chicks. The box size varies for each hatchery. I ordered a couple of times from Ideal Poultry, and the first small order (7 bantams), they sent a small, single cell box (for up to 10 large chicks maybe?) and 5 extra males for warmth. For my next order of 21 chicks, they just sent a larger, double cell box. I'm sure they have boxes for all the different sizes of orders. For orders that are just over the box size, they might do the next box size up and include extra males for warmth (don't quote me on this though--I'm just guessing).

What hatchery are you ordering form?

Cackle (22) Murray McMurray (28) and IDEAL (hopefully 2 seperate orders (one of standards and one of bantams) of 30 and 49)

 

[21hens-incharge]

If you mean they're putting more thought into profits then the chicks safety how's that work?
Their $$$ comes from selling chicks and making a profit so how profitable do you think they'd be if chicks are dying in transit? Dead chicks don't bring in money they cause expense. Dead chicks also cost future customers.

Yup that live arrival and guarantee means dead chicks is detrimental to that bottom line.

When I ordered 7 ducklings from Cackle I did not add grogel or a heat pack to my order but BOTH were included in the box. The sweet little things arrived in fantastic shape raring to go. The heat pack was still pretty warm too.

Would I order again.....yup.

An option may be ordering through a reputable feed store as well. Then they would be able to be special ordered and the chicks the feed store is ordering would be in the same box making it a full box.
I have a very very good feed store near me (not TSC but a local one) that will special order whatever someone wants. I have special ordered through them a few times over the years and it has always been great.