For starters, a friend and I decided that we wanted to get some chicks from breeders instead of just getting hatchery chicks (we have some of those on order, too). Even when we narrowed our choices, it was still going to cost quite a bit, and I wasn't sure that DH would go for it. Considering that shipping from the two breeders that we chose is $35 each, and the chicks cost more straight run than pullets from a hatchery... My friend and I finalized our list, and with trepidation I talked to DH and explained that I felt we would get higher quality birds this way and could have our own breeding flock. I had a list showing what they would cost, and how much of the bill would be my friends portion. She only wants about a dozen hens from the 85 chicks we selected (60 are straight run and we aren't keeping all of the roosters). The total is over $400, close to $70 is my friends share. I really didn't think DH would be happy about it. I was pleasantly shocked when all he said was 'why are you just getting one or two of these types?' Those are from MM for my friend. Then he handed me the list back and said 'OK.' Just like that!
I went to place my order, and wanted to cry because some were coming from John Blehm, I wanted Chanteclers and Ameraucana but he was sold out of Ameraucana! I ordered 25 Chanteclers from him, and put a note on the bottom that I obviously didn't get my order placed in time and that I wouldn't be upset if he had a few extra Ameraucana and substituted.
I got an email confirmation showing that they were scheduled to ship on March 22, then an email on the 22nd saying to start the brooder, chicks are on their way. The problem was, we were in the middle of a blizzard and all highways in to the town where the post office is were closed. Including the highway that I would have to take to get there! My nerves are shot. But at 11:11 PM on the 23rd, I got 'The Call'. Shortly after midnight I was outside their door pressing the buzzer. John said on his site to take a camera and open the box with the postal employees there, and take pictures showing any DOA. I opened the box, and they were all fine! I counted as I was putting them into the brooder, 27 beautiful little chicks and a few are Ameraucana!! Right now I am sooo happy! I am waiting to hear from my friend to see how she wants to work it to get the chicks to her.
Now I am waiting, next week I have an order coming from Fancy Chick, she is sending me BCM and some of her Ameraucana. After that it won't be until late April when the MM chicks come in. From there my friend is getting Cochins, Mottled Houdan, and Polish, I am getting Brown Leghorn for white eggs.
I am just so excited!!
I went to place my order, and wanted to cry because some were coming from John Blehm, I wanted Chanteclers and Ameraucana but he was sold out of Ameraucana! I ordered 25 Chanteclers from him, and put a note on the bottom that I obviously didn't get my order placed in time and that I wouldn't be upset if he had a few extra Ameraucana and substituted.
I got an email confirmation showing that they were scheduled to ship on March 22, then an email on the 22nd saying to start the brooder, chicks are on their way. The problem was, we were in the middle of a blizzard and all highways in to the town where the post office is were closed. Including the highway that I would have to take to get there! My nerves are shot. But at 11:11 PM on the 23rd, I got 'The Call'. Shortly after midnight I was outside their door pressing the buzzer. John said on his site to take a camera and open the box with the postal employees there, and take pictures showing any DOA. I opened the box, and they were all fine! I counted as I was putting them into the brooder, 27 beautiful little chicks and a few are Ameraucana!! Right now I am sooo happy! I am waiting to hear from my friend to see how she wants to work it to get the chicks to her.
Now I am waiting, next week I have an order coming from Fancy Chick, she is sending me BCM and some of her Ameraucana. After that it won't be until late April when the MM chicks come in. From there my friend is getting Cochins, Mottled Houdan, and Polish, I am getting Brown Leghorn for white eggs.
I am just so excited!!
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