MPC shipping and chick starter feed question

[DFCottage]

Hi all,
I ordered some chicks (10) from MPC, and got an email last night that they were shipped via Express Mail that day (the 3rd). The time window has come and gone for overnight mail, and like all good chick moms, I'm starting to worry. The last time I ordered chicks (about 2 years ago) my first order never showed up. The second order (free of charge) took 5 days to arrive. I was a nervous wreck. Lost 5 chicks in shipment. Decided to order from MPC, as they had the express option. After paying $30 I was pretty darn sure they'd arrive today, (I'm near a large metro city with a huge airport) but alas, nothing. I called MPC and they said that they don't guarentee the chicks will arrive next day (which I realize they can't) but that if they don't arrive by Thursday to call back. They said they liked express because of the paper trail.... Has anyone else ever had this happen?
Also, I picked up a 50 lb bag of medicated chick feed, but I'm wondering if I should put them on a medicated starter before I put them on the chick feed? (Its just the Southern States brand, if anyone is familiar with them).
Thanks folks!

 

[Mahonri]

I hope they arrive soon.

Have you tried to track the package?

If you have the medicated starter, I'd give it to them right from the start.

 

[DFCottage]

Will get some starter after work then.

When I called MPC they said that they don't run tracking #'s unless it's Thursday after the shipment. I think I'm going to call them tomorrow at 3 when overnight mail is *supposed* to arrive by, and ask for it. I just don't like that I paid so much $ to get them here overnight and they don't arrive. Granted, not their fault, but the post office guarentees delivery by next day or a refund, so maybe I can get something back for it, especially if I lost some in transit.

 

[featherz]

Wow, my chicks must have hatched the same day as yours. hatched yesterday (MPC) and express shipped to me in the sticks of upstate NY - they were here by 9AM this morning! Had to drive to the one 'big' post office 10 miles away, but that's ok. I hope your chickies arrive soon!!

I didn't even get an email that they shipped. I just assumed they'd get here and kept my fingers crossed.

 

[Karen_at_LittleBrook]

Hmmm? I ordered from MPC because of their express shipping!!!! That and the fact that they are the closest hatchery to me AND offered the express shipping.... I think I paid $34.00 extra for that service. I think it's offered as express not over night, tho. My understanding is that they hatch on Mondays. I rec'd one email from them the day after I ordered back in March which stated that my ship date would be May 24th and I would rec. no other email or notification. So Im really suprised to hear they emailed you that they shipped. Because my chicks will ship on May 24th Im going to expect them the 25th. I think I would be upset and worried also, if I were you. Good luck, I hope they arrive safe!

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Express mail isn't the same as overnight - it's 1 day faster than priority mail (most hatcheries use priority mail to send their shipments of chicks out, which is why they can't send small orders.).

I've ordered chicks from MPC before. When they say May 3rd, they mean the week of May 3rd, and they ship both Mondays and Tuesdays - yours could have gone out Monday or Tuesday. I wouldn't worry unless they don't get to you by Thursday.

 

[smallcitychick]

I got my chicks from MPC too. I wouldn't worry about them unless it's Thursday and they're not there. I live in WA state in a tiny little podunk town and got my little babies Wednesday morning all chirpy and healthy.

I started my chicks on medicated chick starter and everyone's doing great.

 

[McCash40]

Good luck with your shipment. I have chicks coming next week and after years of doing taxidermy and fighting UPS for delivery of skins on time, I am starting to get the same feelings you have. I wouldn't blame MPC as much as the worker on the mail truck who doesn't care a whit about his job performance.