We can never afford the shipping either. I usually order 25 and sell them for $5-8/ea (depending on how long I have them). I keep around 5 so I make at least $100. That usually pays for the order so I basically get my chicks for free.
That is if they all survive. Which has not been the case with me. But, I still manage to make enough to pay for my chicks and shipping.
Hawks can definitely be a problem. We've had 3 birds attacked by what we think is a hawk (we witnessed one attack but the other two happened when we weren't home). The time we witnessed it was with a chick, the other two times were both on LF. Our bantam hasn't had a problem. (knock on wood) Maybe because she's faster and smaller so she can hide in more places?

Hawks can definitely be a problem. We've had 3 birds attacked by what we think is a hawk (we witnessed one attack but the other two happened when we weren't home). The time we witnessed it was with a chick, the other two times were both on LF. Our bantam hasn't had a problem. (knock on wood) Maybe because she's faster and smaller so she can hide in more places?