Is this story going to have a sad ending?

[RedMoxie]

Hey @RedMoxie we all got so caught up in your littles getting to y'all safe and sound nobody has asked what breeds of chickens you actually got. So do tell, what's in the box?

Oh yes, the important information!

We have 2 Brahmas, 3 Barred Rocks, 1 Cream Legbar, 5 Orpingtons, 2 Cuckoo Marans, and 2 Australorps...

We decided on our mix by stalking this site for months and trying to find a good mix of layers and cuddlers, and then finding out what was actually available when it was time to order. We had wanted a Favorelle, but finding one hatchery that had everything at the same shipping time became a full time hobby!

 

[Chickassan]

Good choices! Btw if you ever go faverolles you need two of them, they're silly.

 

[Chrissy Smith]

We had our first order of 15 baby chicks shipped out this week on Tuesday. We have a 3yo and a 6yo who have really invested in the idea, helped with the brooder set up, picked out breeds...etc.

Welp, its Thurs and the mail has come and gone. The tracking info says they are "in transit" with no more info. We've been in contact with our local post office and they say that the chicks haven't even made it to the regional center yet, so they will potentially not be deliverable tomorrow either (takes a day to get from regional to local, and that clock hasn't started yet). Temps are dropping tonight into single digits (we live in Maryland).

I have no idea why the hatchery shipped general priority and not priority express--they have been very non-plussed about the whole thing and argued that they send priority because there is "no difference between priority and priority express when it comes to live animals." Our post-master said different, but I'm new to this so I'm trying to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

I just feel a sinking feeling now. Is there any chance we end up with live chicks tomorrow, or do I need to start re-directing the kids questions and prepping for a bad ending?

 

[Chrissy Smith]

I hope & pray you have a good outcome. Yea, I would open the box out of sight of the kids too. I don't understand how the hatchery can be so disinterested in the fate of your chicks. If they have a Facebook page I would post your experience with them on their page. It does no good to ship out chicks if they don't do everything possible to ensure their survival. Good luck

 

[Blooie]

I hope & pray you have a good outcome. Yea, I would open the box out of sight of the kids too. I don't understand how the hatchery can be so disinterested in the fate of your chicks. If they have a Facebook page I would post your experience with them on their page. It does no good to ship out chicks if they don't do everything possible to ensure their survival. Good luck

Usually the hatchery does do everything possible for the best outcome. What happens after those chicks are placed into the hands of the postal service is beyond their control, just as it is beyond the control of the person waiting for them to arrive. Not all chicks hatched in our own homes or under a broody in the coop will survive either. Like all creatures, some are too weak to survive their first few days no matter what is done. Some have hidden internal issues that don't show up until a few days after hatching. There can be so many variables in any new life that "blaming and blasting" really serves no purpose, unless the hatchery was blatantly misrepresenting their stock or obviously negligent in shipping.

If you read more, you'll see that the chicks did arrive later the same evening and are doing well. I know you mean well and are brand new here, and I welcome you most warmly to BYC. Great people here - although some may consider me a bit of a stinker!

 

[Blooms&Brood]

I also recently received chicks from Meyers. Also had the tracking scare, but ended up getting a phone call from my local post office before business hours on shipping day 3. I concluded it's a USPS technology issue, not Meyer's problem.

Congrats on your new chicks!

 

[Naser]

We have 2 Brahmas, 3 Barred Rocks, 1 Cream Legbar, 5 Orpingtons, 2 Cuckoo Marans, and 2 Australorps...

Prepare the broody cage

 

[RedMoxie]

I also recently received chicks from Meyers. Also had the tracking scare, but ended up getting a phone call from my local post office before business hours on shipping day 3. I concluded it's a USPS technology issue, not Meyer's problem.

Congrats on your new chicks!

Congrats on yours, too!

Yeah, my husband noted that just because the hatchery staff didn't share my panic didn't mean they were in the wrong...hard to hear when you are in the throes of hand-wringing, but turns out they were completely right.

That said, if (when) we do this again, I'll probably press for Priority Express shipping anyway, even if it is just because tracking is supposed to be better.

 

[RedMoxie]

Prepare the broody cage

Hey, at least we skipped the silkies this round.

Which ones are the most likely to go broody first? Does that ever start a domino trend, or is it very hen specific?

 

[JMotuzick]

Just found this thread, so happy they arrived!

Your arrival post didn’t say, but I’m guessing all made it?

Kinda happy for you this time of year is best, you’ll be sure to get fresh eggs before winter! Unlike us, I think we have all 5 from this years batch that are not yet laying!

I have a friend who’s wife works at the post office, TSC is in her area. They have the managers Home number, he runs out at 2am for the chicks!

We got a phone call for a box of bees during Sunday dinner once when I was a child!

Usually the post office is good with transporting animals.