I just read further into this post, I cannot believe all the losses people have had from hatcheries, none of my birds died, I have had them since Monday and they are very active, they shipped Midnight Friday night, which I didn't care for but it didn't seem to bother them, I seriously think most losses are due to shipping conditions more so than a hatchery selling sub par birds, I doubt they would stay in business if half your order dying was a common occurance. I think time in shipping and temperature have a lot to do with it, also who knows if some careless mail worker drops them or something stupid, can't blame all those losses on the hatchery, one here and there I could see, sure a chick here and there will not be as strong as others but when you experience major loss I'd look to the USPS. If I ever have to deal with Friday or Saturday shipping again I will request express shipping even if it costs more, I don't want to deal with dead chicks because of stupid shipping practices.