I think a problem with shipping might be that it's not a direct route. If you follow tracking for other orders, they stop at other states and cities before they get to the destination. So maybe from Texas they go somewhere colder? Before you get them? Totally just guessing based on ordering merchandise from other states.
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...
Often the USPS will use another vendor to transport across the country. That's why there is a gap in scans. The secondary shipper isn't able to scan and put that information in the USPS system.
Most likely give them to my in-laws to eat. They have a farm and raise their own broilers for food.
Oh ok, just wondering. Maybe you should keep one, I have a rooster and he fights off hawks and even attacks my huge collie so I know he would do his best with a dog.
Believe me, this is what I would do if I had that option! Sadly, there aren't any farm stores here that hatch their own chicks. There is a feed store in my city that orders chicks from a hatchery, but they still get them delivered by USPS shipping.
