Just received a box of dead chicks from Ideal Poultry...

[SarahGfa]

Well I spent the last month researching baby chicks and building a brooder, got a feeder and water all set up, and placed my very first mail order from Ideal Poultry -- 15 assorted pullets. I've raised hens before, but this is my first time getting baby chicks shipped.

According to the tracking number, the chicks were taken to the Austin Distribution center Tuesday afternoon. They spent about 42 hours in transit before arriving at my local post office. I got to them first thing Thursday morning only to find every single one dead as a doornail

I KNOW -- it's January, and not the best time to order. I live in California and the daytime temps have been in the 60s, nighttime low is about 45 degrees F, so I thought this time of year would be better than in a few months, when it can get quite hot (the chicks were shipping from Texas).

Here's my question: I called Ideal Poultry as soon as I got the box, to let them know that nobody survived. The lady on the phone was kind and offered to reship the chicks next week. Should I try again? I *really* don't want to cause the deaths of another 15 chicks. She offered to add extra male chicks to the box for warmth, but how much difference does that really make? When I opened the box, the chicks looked like they were already dead for quite some time.

Edit: Also, I apologize that my very first post here is so awful. I'm a longttime lurker and never felt right posting without getting my proper peep credentials first...

 

[lomine]

Boy that’s tough. I’m sorry. How’s the weather suppose to be next week along the route? Do you have the option to add a heating pad and/or gro gel? That would give them a better chance.

 

[SarahGfa]

Boy that’s tough. I’m sorry. How’s the weather suppose to be next week along the route? Do you have the option to add a heating pad and/or gro gel? That would give them a better chance.

Next week should be similar (highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s). The woman I spoke to on the phone said they have better results adding extra males for warmth, rather than heat packs. I'm new to the shipping process so I'm not sure, but if I understand correctly the heat packs only last a few hours and not the entire trip. She didn't mention gro gel. Is it common to pack that with baby chicks? I'm not sure if the babies died of starvation or cold

 

[SwtGrc]

Well that's sad.
Isn't there several hatcheries here in California where you can order from? Like Belt hatchery in Fresno.

 

[SwtGrc]

Next week should be similar (highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s). The woman I spoke to on the phone said they have better results adding extra males for warmth, rather than heat packs. I'm new to the shipping process so I'm not sure, but if I understand correctly the heat packs only last a few hours and not the entire trip. She didn't mention gro gel. Is it common to pack that with baby chicks? I'm not sure if the babies died of starvation or cold

Can't they be priority mail or the quickest delivery method?!

 

[SarahGfa]

Well that's sad.
Isn't there several hatcheries here in California where you can order from? Like Belt hatchery in Fresno.

I had not heard of Belt hatchery, but I will look into them, Thank you. I chose Ideal Poultry because they seemed popular and had a lot of positive reviews.

 

[lomine]

I had a shipment of 6 chicks from Meyer that had a heat pack. It happened to be a cold week. They shipped out Monday evening and I picked them up Wednesday mid morning and the pack was still warm. They were all alive but some were weak and died later. I honestly think it was because they only had a few air holes open.

Gro gel will hydrate them and provide electrolytes. I think it makes them a little stronger for the journey.

It’s all a bit of a gamble. Maybe they could ship them out in a few more weeks, when it’s warmer. And you can ask about express shipping like was suggested. But I think there’s a big price difference on that.

 

[SwtGrc]

I had not heard of Belt hatchery, but I will look into them, Thank you. I chose Ideal Poultry because they seemed popular and had a lot of positive reviews.

I just looked up hatcheries in CA, I haven't personally used them. I ordered my chicks through a feed store up here near Sacramento. But I don't know what hatchery they use. Special ordering chicks was easy too.

 

[SarahGfa]

It’s all a bit of a gamble. Maybe they could ship them out in a few more weeks, when it’s warmer. And you can ask about express shipping like was suggested. But I think there’s a big price difference on that.

Thanks, I will call again tomorrow and ask if they can add a heat pack. I'm not sure if they offer express shipping.

What is "ideal" shipping temperature? I sort of thought that even though it is January, the temps here are probably close to what people in the north get in springtime.

 

[SarahGfa]

I just looked up hatcheries in CA, I haven't personally used them. I ordered my chicks through a feed store up here near Sacramento. But I don't know what hatchery they use. Special ordering chicks was easy too.

There is a feed store in my area and they usually have baby chicks in the spring, but they are usually in sad condition and I have heard of people having bad experiences with feed store chicks. I thought it would be better to order my own, but I was wrong