My 55 new chicks arrived today! ALL DEAD

[WestKnollAmy]

I ordered from Ideal last Nov. and the chicks were lost in the mail for 6 days. I had a huge loss of lives and most died after they got here and warmed up and started drinking.
I have another replacement order coming from them in 2 weeks and we hope they get here in much better shape. I have never had so many to die when shipped but they were in a PO somewhere for 6 days.
And I also ordered from Xtreme last Nov. I ordered all pullets and got half of them as roos! No, they don't want to make it right. I got about $5 back.

 

[Faverolle]

So sorry to hear that, I feel your pain though! I had an order of ducks that I got in this week from Ideal and almost all were either DOA or died shortly after. The packing peanuts were fine though, go figure.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

I wish these places would offer Express Mail shipping. That's the way my wife and I ship all our day old chciks and we have GREAT results with them, we also put heat packs in ALL our boxes reguardless of the season, but especially this time of year.
They would be way ahead to offer these services.
I have ordered from the top 3 big hatcheries in the past, and have had mixed results from all 3. We have since culed all our hatchery birds and only order from private breeders now for better quaility.
But demand heat packs and express mail! It helps a ton!!
Aubrey

 

[AHappychick]

I just got a order of silkies from ideal also and 2 were almost dead, did the whole vitamin, thing but they did not make it. now another was dead this morning. This is the first time with shipped chicks that I have ever lost any. I dont know what is wrong with them they are in their own brooder with no other contact with other birds. another few dont look so good and I am giving whatever help I can but there is something wrong and I dont think it came from my home or is something I could have given them because I have been very careful.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

It's just my opinion here, but it's too cold on average to be shipping chicks yet. I never order any until at least mid March. Even with heat packs, if they end up somewhere where it's below freezing, they take a pounding from it.

 

[Lorettawyandotte]

Now I have broken out in a fret sweat...I have 34 chicks coming from Ideal next week...I am in Florida and I hope to God they don't send them via Minneapolis...there will be a war if that occurs...

 

[amyquilt]

Quote:
I agree.

I have 25 chicks due to ship on March 4 from Ideal.

 

[amyquilt]

Quote:
It wouldn't be Ideal shipping them via Minneapolis....just our good ol' postal service.

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

I had an order from Ideal ship this week, received them on Wednesday and one (Extra for warmth) did not make it. Everyone else is doing great.

I don't want to upset anyone. But we really can not blame Ideal or the Post Office. We ordered them. I knew I was taking a risk given the time of year and ordered anyway. Packages get delayed. It happens all the time. If we are going to order day old chicks this time of year, we need to understand the possible outcome. Ideal is willing to replace the order at no cost right?

 

[sugarbush]

It seems funny to me that Ideal is the only one having problems right now, but then again they are one of the few who hatch year around.

I have read on other forums that a lot of their chicks are not making it through. Also several reports of respiratory problems and that their chicks are dying at 4-5 weeks of age. I called them about it because I was considering ordering from them and the lady on the phone denied that they had any respiratory issues reported. I asked to speak with a supervisor and offered that I would place my order with them if they would guarantee them for 6 weeks to lay my concerns to rest. They turned me down so I went with Meyer's again.

Sorry for your loss, hope your next shipment works out better. Try Meyer's, I have always had good luck with them and most of the time there stock is of quality.