Thanks so much for letting me join. It has taken awhile to do an introduction. But I have been reading here for years. My sister recommended the site and has sent me links when we start talking chickens.
I finally have my chicks and felt like maybe I belong. They are not a week old till Monday, so still babies. I just got them Thursday morning and it has been a rough day or so. I ordered 25 and they did not do well on their journey. I talked to the hatchery and it was most likely the rough journey. So far, tonight, I have lost eleven. I feel like a terrible chick mom, but the gal at the hatchery said I was doing everything right. It seems like a failure to thrive, but she told me that the cold and even rough treatment at the post office can cause issues, even internal injuries. I have everything set the way they recommended with the proper warmer and all that. So anyway, it is heartbreaking to start out this way after waiting so long. Sorry this is kind of depressing. The hatchery will replace or refund, I just need to decide what to do.
On a happier note. My Lavender Orpingtons (3, SR) are doing well, and it is like I can see them grow. They are super friendly and curious. The Bielefelders I have left (3 pullets) are also active and eating and doing what chicks do. I was planning on a little flock of Bielefelders and maybe a little flock of Lavenders as well. I ordered a few other breeds thinking they would make a pretty flock and I could sell a few at point of lay to pay for some of the expenses. Oh well. But now I am trying to decide if I want to replace the ones I lost and take that chance or buy an incubator and some hatching eggs and skip the travel part of getting chicks. There are no close hatcheries in Nevada where I live that I can find. Any recommendation on a good incubator to start out with? Or a good person to buy Bielefelder hatching eggs from?
Well, thanks for listening, if you got this far in my ramble. any advice is welcome. My sister has been great support through this. She is a great chick mom and understands. Thank goodness for sisters that get you.
I finally have my chicks and felt like maybe I belong. They are not a week old till Monday, so still babies. I just got them Thursday morning and it has been a rough day or so. I ordered 25 and they did not do well on their journey. I talked to the hatchery and it was most likely the rough journey. So far, tonight, I have lost eleven. I feel like a terrible chick mom, but the gal at the hatchery said I was doing everything right. It seems like a failure to thrive, but she told me that the cold and even rough treatment at the post office can cause issues, even internal injuries. I have everything set the way they recommended with the proper warmer and all that. So anyway, it is heartbreaking to start out this way after waiting so long. Sorry this is kind of depressing. The hatchery will replace or refund, I just need to decide what to do.
On a happier note. My Lavender Orpingtons (3, SR) are doing well, and it is like I can see them grow. They are super friendly and curious. The Bielefelders I have left (3 pullets) are also active and eating and doing what chicks do. I was planning on a little flock of Bielefelders and maybe a little flock of Lavenders as well. I ordered a few other breeds thinking they would make a pretty flock and I could sell a few at point of lay to pay for some of the expenses. Oh well. But now I am trying to decide if I want to replace the ones I lost and take that chance or buy an incubator and some hatching eggs and skip the travel part of getting chicks. There are no close hatcheries in Nevada where I live that I can find. Any recommendation on a good incubator to start out with? Or a good person to buy Bielefelder hatching eggs from?
Well, thanks for listening, if you got this far in my ramble. any advice is welcome. My sister has been great support through this. She is a great chick mom and understands. Thank goodness for sisters that get you.
Hello Kat and welcome to BYC, You found an Awesome poultry Forum to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members who are more then willing to jump in and help you with any questions you may have. 
and welcome to BYC! You’ve joined a great and resourceful community! It’s so unfortunate your journey into chicken started out poorly, I hope everyone else thrives and it’s uphill from here. Good luck!
