IS it safe to order live chicks?

Its fine to ship them, but I would stay away from getting chicks during the winter, if hatcheries do ship in winter, i dont know.

 

When I order chicks I consider the weather conditions and how far the chicks have to travel. I would much rather order from a hatchery that can get my chicks to me in 1 day as opposed to 2-3 days.

 

The chick lives off the yolk for the first three days of it's life, so yes it's safe to get them in the mail, however....
IMO, springtime is the right time to get chicks. You'll have a better chance of all the chicks making it to you alive. Shipping is stressful, why stress them out so more with cold temperatures?
I know the hatcheries are still shipping, but selection is better in the springtime and you can decrease the need for so many packing peanuts (baby roos) in the spring too.

 

Ideal Hatchery is in Texas. They are shipping some breeds.
http://www.ideal-poultry.com/

 

I ordered chicks and never lost a bird, but I would order until April. Most hatcheries are selling much and offer a greater selection in the spring. More importantly, is that the warmer temperature increases the survival rate of the shipped birds.

 

I agree. When I ordered I took the weather into consideration. I've only ordered chicks during mild temperatures to ensure they aren't overly stressed, too cold or too hot during shipping.

 

Just last week I received my mixed group of female chicks from McMurray. It's the second time I've ordered from them and both times there were zero DOAs...the first group came in August and, if you've ever been in South Texas in August, you'd know what I mean when I say those babies did NOT need a heat lamp at all. All of them survived to adulthood.

This batch, well, I've had the heat lamp on them and they're doing great...not sure what types I have yet but that's part of the fun of getting a mixed bunch.

Next time I may use Ideal here in Texas just because they're in Texas....It's fun waiting for them to arrive.

 

I was delighted with the care that My Pet Chickens gave in packing and letting me know when my chicks would arrive. They were all healthy (five of them) and peeping up a storm. I had ordered hens only, and that's exactly what I received!
I'd order from MPC again if I were to order chickens.

Carla