How far is too far to ship chicks?

[Ladyderks]

Wanting to add some chicks to my flock - specifically looking for Swedish Flower Hens. I know Meyer and My Pet Chicken have some in stock later in the year, but I found a farm up in Vermont (Sugar Feather Farm) that sells them. I like a lot of things about this farm, and would love to support them (vs large hatchery), but I live just north of Atlanta. It seems like VT to GA is a really long way to ship chicks, so I’m weary of ordering. I did just email the farm owner to get her feelings, but no response yet and I’m anxious over what to do! Any thoughts or similar experiences?
Thanks in advance!

 

[BEggRN]

I'm not sure how far is "too far". I am in your area (just north of Atlanta), and JJs Chickens and Rabbits have Swedish Flower Hens. I have never purchased from them, but they are very responsive and close enough that you would not need to ship. It's worth looking into.

 

[Ladyderks]

I'm not sure how far is "too far". I am in your area (just north of Atlanta), and JJs Chickens and Rabbits have Swedish Flower Hens. I have never purchased from them, but they are very responsive and close enough that you would not need to ship. It's worth looking into.

Thanks! I honestly thought JJ’s had closed, as their last post was back in early 2020. I’m going to shoot them a message now

 

[BEggRN]

Thanks! I honestly thought JJ’s had closed, as their last post was back in early 2020. I’m going to shoot them a message now

If you use them, let me know how it goes.

 

[Ladyderks]

If you use them, let me know how it goes.

I got in touch, and they have a waiting list, but I’m adding my name. Looks like only a month out. So glad you mentioned them, I’m going to save a ton of money (and worry!) on shipping, and get to support a local farm. Thanks!

 

[BEggRN]

I got in touch, and they have a waiting list, but I’m adding my name. Looks like only a month out. So glad you mentioned them, I’m going to save a ton of money (and worry!) on shipping, and get to support a local farm. Thanks!

Great news! Show us pics when you get them!

 

[Isellsilkies]

I don’t really agree with shipping chicks at least 2 die most of the time but depends on the circumstances I think about less then 4 days in shipping or they might all die

 

[JacinLarkwell]

As long as the package can get to you within 72 hours, technically there isn't a too far. A lot of private breeders in the eastern states use the Mississippi as a cut off boundary if that helps.

 

[PeepOverlord]

IDK if this helps answer the "how far is too far" question, but I bought (25) from Dunlap Hatchery in Idaho. I'm in southwest Mississippi, fairly close to the Louisiana line.
Chicks born March 2, Shipped March 3, I had them on March 4 at lunch time. All alive and healthy. Zero defects, zero injuries.
(All are still alive happy and healthy).
Just my opinion, but I think it's more how sturdy the chicks are and how well (or if) the USPS people do their job, rather than the actual distance.
Breaks my heart every time I see someone post that their chickie babies arrived ill, hurt or dead

 

[L0rraine]

I just had 16 chicks shipped for the first time, and had been sick with worry about it. They only had to travel from Northern California to Washington, but still it took three (2 1/2) days. Fortunately they were all alive and healthy on arrival. our local postal people are pretty helpful and they called me the minute they arrived and let me pick them up at 5:30 am.