How to best ship chicks?

[DocumentedPure]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in shipping baby chicks, and would like to see what kind of wonderful wisdom our community can share with me. I know that I have to be NPIP certified. I have seen packages online in bulk that I need for shipping chicks, because the containers need to be approved by USPS. I have seen variations on how some big online breeders have minimum chick requirements so they can share warmth. One thing that I have seen, is to ship a minimum of six chicks. Another thing I have seen is to ship based on distance and location. One hatchery said, minimum 12 chicks, unless you live very far away and you live in a far away place, and it is cold. Then minimum orders can be as many as 25.

Has anyone had any results adding a temporary heating element? I have been thinking about how I might be able to do that. Such as throw in an MRE heater. But the problem with that would be it would get extremely hot for a minute, and then cool down within a couple hours. Does anyone have any other ideas how how temperature can be increased, even a little bit? maybe crumple up a bunch of paper towels to make the ride softer, and to provide the chicks with some insulation? Any ideas would be appreciated.

I see that USPS is the way to go to ship chicks. Drop off right before I pick up, and make sure the customer gets notified the minute the post office get the chicks. I have heard that they charge based on weight, the container, and the style of shipping. What is best for shipping chicks? Which is best for shipping eggs? Which is the best way to go about doing this to keep costs down?

Thank you for your time.

 

[wamtazlady]

Can't help you with most of this. I do know that one time when I was getting chicks in February, I paid extra to have a heat pack put in with the chicks. When they arrived 2 days later the heat pack still had a little warmth. Just saying that some heat packs can last a long time.

 

[keesmom]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in shipping baby chicks, and would like to see what kind of wonderful wisdom our community can share with me. I know that I have to be NPIP certified. I have seen packages online in bulk that I need for shipping chicks, because the containers need to be approved by USPS. I have seen variations on how some big online breeders have minimum chick requirements so they can share warmth. One thing that I have seen, is to ship a minimum of six chicks. Another thing I have seen is to ship based on distance and location. One hatchery said, minimum 12 chicks, unless you live very far away and you live in a far away place, and it is cold. Then minimum orders can be as many as 25.

If you are shipping chicks you are going to have to have a minimum of some number. Obviously more is better so they can maintain heat, especially in the colder months. You will also have to decide if you want to ship day olds or ship older chicks.

Has anyone had any results adding a temporary heating element? I have been thinking about how I might be able to do that. Such as throw in an MRE heater. But the problem with that would be it would get extremely hot for a minute, and then cool down within a couple hours. Does anyone have any other ideas how how temperature can be increased, even a little bit? maybe crumple up a bunch of paper towels to make the ride softer, and to provide the chicks with some insulation? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Heat packs. Uniheat makes ones for reptiles. They make them from 20 - 72 hour heat time. (Note - I have only shipped juveniles and adults. I have not used the Uniheat packs, but have noted others have. Worth checking out anyway.)

I see that USPS is the way to go to ship chicks. Drop off right before I pick up, and make sure the customer gets notified the minute the post office get the chicks. I have heard that they charge based on weight, the container, and the style of shipping. What is best for shipping chicks? Which is best for shipping eggs? Which is the best way to go about doing this to keep costs down?

Thank you for your time.

They will have to go USPS. Express mail only even if you ship day olds. Only hatcheries are allowed to use Priority. Cost will depend on the package weight and shipping distance. Express mail also does not always mean next day arrival. Shipping time will depend on where they are going.

You will want to talk to the USPS facility you plan to use too. I know some places in the US need to call ahead to make sure there are dry ice free flights available before you drop them off.

Eggs will be fine sent priority. Unless they are used as USPS footballs. Make sure you have a hatchability disclaimer on those.

 

[BDutch]

Not only the temparature is important. Newborns who depend on the yolk for nutrition, should arrive within 36 hours.

If the time until they get water and feed takes longer then 36 hours, growth and health problems can occur. After two days you can be pretty sure the chicks get permanent growth and health problems.
(Research on hybrids: WUR university)

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Not only the temparature is important. Newborns who depend on the yolk for nutrition, should arrive within 36 hours.

If the time until they get water and feed takes longer then 36 hours, growth and health problems can occur. After two days you can be pretty sure the chicks get permanent growth and health problems.
(Research on hybrids: WUR university)

Can you provide a link? I can't find that study.

 

[BDutch]

A link. Sure.
I wrote about this research in another thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/time-for-feeding-newborns-up-to-36-hours.1217180/

If you like to read the whole article best use google translate for the 2nd part (dutch tot english).

 

[Egghead_Jr]

There was no study done, this was a research project conducted by the university at the request of judicial branch. The result:

Wakker Dier has lost the court case and has since appealed . De Jong: 'Based on current insights, we can not make clear statements about the welfare of the animals.

No links to actual hard data and end result being the loss of court case and head researcher stating studies would have to be conducted for conclusions is not a good link to hard facts.

 

[BDutch]

The outcome of the research: if the newborns do not eat and drink longer then 36 hours, the chick gets growth retardation. They dare not say anything about the welfare of the chicks.

 

[3riverschick]

Do not use a heat pack rated for more than 40 hours. packs that heat for longer than 40 hours spike too high a temperature before they level off for the rest of their duration.
Best ,
Karen