How long can chicks last en route? (for anyone BTDT)

kris13

Chirping
Jun 10, 2016
106
16
94
We've gotten our last few groups of chicks from an out of state hatchery, never had an issue, until now. They hatched on Monday, supposedly shipped on Tuesday, and so far haven't arrived. (Coming from OH to MO) I'm starting to worry they won't be okay / too long with no water. Has anyone had chicks travel for 3-5 days with no issues?
 
Hopefully they will arrive today. Do you have tracking info so you can see where they are?

I've seen where some are experiencing delays with shipping which would have me really nervous to be honest. Chicks can generally do o.k. with 3 days shipping, but I would have some Poultry Nutri-drench (or similar) on hand. Have the brooder warm (I'm sure you are already prepared! :)) Get them all drinking first, then introduce food.

Keep us posted!
 
Hopefully they will arrive today. Do you have tracking info so you can see where they are?

I've seen where some are experiencing delays with shipping which would have me really nervous to be honest. Chicks can generally do o.k. with 3 days shipping, but I would have some Poultry Nutri-drench (or similar) on hand. Have the brooder warm (I'm sure you are already prepared! :)) Get them all drinking first, then introduce food.

Keep us posted!
No, the tracking is what really has mean concerned. The only thing it shows is "label printed Tuesday" Doesn't even show a scan that it was accepted by the USPS.
 
welp. So stunned. They showed up / picked them up but only 3/8 are alive. The other five look like they got tossed around / banged up. Never seen anything like that before. Super upsetting. Poor little girls.
I am so sorry. That's every buyer's worst nightmare for sure :(

That's always a risk when ordering chicks, but it's not like we have a ton of options to choose from either.

Make sure you notify the seller. They can ship more or refund your money. Good luck with the three peeps that made it. Make sure to give them vitamins in their water!
 
I am so sorry. That's every buyer's worst nightmare for sure :(

That's always a risk when ordering chicks, but it's not like we have a ton of options to choose from either.

Make sure you notify the seller. They can ship more or refund your money. Good luck with the three peeps that made it. Make sure to give them vitamins in their water!
yeah, next time we'll drive to another hatchery vs shipping. Live and learn I guess. Have never seen this before. Yup, monitoring the three and have their vitamin water in there / least the most active one is eating / drinking no problem. Vocal but I think she's missing hearing other chicks.
 
What I have learned from many experiences with shipped chicks is that I can pick up my chicks one full day earlier.
In my rural location , chicks arrive in the main postal warehouse (about 35 miles away) the day previous to being put on the truck that delivers them to my local post office.
I much prefer the extra drive, and giving my chicks a better chance of survival. Getting them out of that box and water, warmth and food 24 hours earlier.
Your shipping pathway may be similar or different. Ask your postmaster to make sure.
 
yeah, next time we'll drive to another hatchery vs shipping. Live and learn I guess. Have never seen this before. Yup, monitoring the three and have their vitamin water in there / least the most active one is eating / drinking no problem. Vocal but I think she's missing hearing other chicks.
I feel ya! Last year my ladies showed up perfect, this year I ended up canceling my order because of all the postal delays and placed an order in my state so I could pick them up. I'm sorry about your littles😔
 

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