Mail Order Chicks???

[teach1rusl]

Hello. I'll cut to the chase... I'm clueless as to where to find baby chickens.

I've heard (and read) that often times you can just find them being sold at local feed/seed shops, but I haven't found any in my area (just north of Louisville, KY). So I started googling hatcheries to see if there were any nearby. Again...nada. But I did find several places that will ship "day old chicks."

Most won't do a small order however, and I don't want more than 5 chickens. I did find two places that do small orders, including one place that will put a heating pad of some kind in the box with them to make the trip more comfortable/safe???

I guess I'm wondering how typical and how safe it is to sell and ship chicks this way? Is this a common way for people to get their new birds? Where else could you suggest looking?

Any feedback/direction is appreciated : )

 

[hikerchick]

I got more than half of my 81 birds via mail order. I have used Ideal, Cackle Hatchery, and MyPetChicken.

I have had only a few casualties which were promptly refunded. Also, one order had the wrong number of chicks and I was given a choice of replacement or refund.

I have been very happy with this method.

I think the feed stores only carry chicks in the spring.

 

[redtailross]

we have chicks, ducklings, goslings, turkey poults, guinea keets mailed up here to central Alaska, no worries.

Lost only 4 over two years of mailings. average of 30 chicks a time.
Have some more coming from cackle that should be here on Friday!

To get them up here is a two day mailing.

We have used Ideal, this will be the first time using Cackle...we will see...

No Worries, treat yourself!

 

[TexasVet]

It's always best to order from the closest hatchery, so chicks aren't subjected to high or low temps longer than absolutely necessary. You can find a list of hatcheries by state here: http://www.countrychickens.com/country_chickens_4_003.htm

Oh, and always order more chicks than you think you want. That way if you lose one in transit or to a predator, you have backups. (Sad fact of life, but I've never had 100% of my chicks make it to adulthood.)

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[Shannon's Chix]

I heard on here that Nature's Hatchery ships min of 2 chicks. Sure enough I looked on website and it appears they will.

When I was looking for my first chickens a month or so ago, I actually used this forum and found a lady right down the street who had lots of chicks to sell!

Good luck!

 

[teach1rusl]

Thank you SO much for everyone's replies! I was feeling pretty skeptical about going the mail order route, but hearing that others out there have found this to be a viable option gives me a huge sense of relief. I will continue checking out suggested hatchery sites : )

 

[joletabey]

Someone here used the Meyer Hatchery small order program and liked it. I guess its something Meyer just started?
I hope to use them in the spring, since I only have room for 10 chickens.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Yes, I have looked at them on-line, as well as a place called Natures Hatchery (suggested by another poster). I also finally found someone who raises chickens locally, although I'm not sure if they have the mix I'm looking for...but at least it's another option.
Thanks for your assistance! : )

 

[Buster52]

Try the Swaps, Auctions etc. subforum. Here is a thread on Kentucky people swapping birds.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=102275

You might also try the search feature and search that forum.

 

[Buster52]

Here's another thread about KY people. Right now they are talking about some auctions. Maybe you could hook up with something.

I would avoid feed stores. They are a little like rolling the dice when it comes to breeds.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=110&p=119