My first Day Old Chicks and They are Not Here!?

[Capodimusica]

We have waited weeks and finally got word that our chicks shipped on Monday. We are two hours passed their arrival projection but they are not even showing up having arrived in the state after a departure of yesterday morning. I hate the crappy USPS updating. I am hoping they show up in the morning and they are all okay. This is my first experience with chicks in the mail and I already am not a fan. I'm just glad we are having warm weather.

 

[chiques chicks]

We have waited weeks and finally got word that our chicks shipped on Monday. We are two hours passed their arrival projection but they are not even showing up having arrived in the state after a departure of yesterday morning. I hate the crappy USPS updating. I am hoping they show up in the morning and they are all okay. This is my first experience with chicks in the mail and I already am not a fan. I'm just glad we are having warm weather.

Chicks shipped Monday frequently arrive on Wednesday. If they were day olds, they should be fine. I've recurved them on that schedule in March in the northeast and they survived.

Have your brooder ready, have water available. A small amount of electrolyte ( Gatorade, sav-a-chick) in the water won't hurt. When you move them from the shipping box to the brooder, dip their breaks in the water so they know where it is. Just a quick dip, don't hold them in the water. They will learn quickly.

 

[keesmom]

Chicks rarely arrive within 24 hours unless you are close to the hatchery. They will be fine.

 

[Folly's place]

Make sure that your post office knows to call you as soon as they arrive, no matter what time. Mine generally come in at 6am, and I get them immediately. Mary

 

[Capodimusica]

Yes, they have my number. I went to the post office today to let them know they are coming.

 

[3riverschick]

Here ya go.
I have used these Bovidr Labs formulas on my collies and poultry for over a decade. You can actually use other than the Poultry formula as long as you use the Poultry usage and dosage instructions. Tho the Bovidr Labs formulas are species-specific , they also meet the scentific standard for a universal formula. Last season I raised 42 Light Sussex on the Goat Formula using the Poultry Instructions. I put it in their water for the 1st 2 weeks to get them off to a strong start. No sick or dead chicks, all healthy and robust. http://www.nutridrench.com
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/746509/how-to-deal-with-travel-stress-in-baby-chicks
Best,
Karen

 

[Blooie]

I ordered mail order last year and then again this year. Because of how isolated we are, it always takes 4 days. Shipped on Monday, arrive on Thursday, and the first year the temp was -19 when we went to pick them up. This year wasn't that bad - I think it was in the low teens. You have the advantage of the warmer days, so they should be fine. And remember that it's not unusual to lose one or two simply because of failure to thrive (which happens even with home hatched chicks) or shipping stress. Good Luck - and post pictures! Can never have too many little chickie pictures!

 

[Capodimusica]

My chicks arrived at 4am this morning. Me being crazy, I went to the post office before they called and banged on the door until I explained I was notified via text with the USPS site and that I had live chicks that needed to be picked up as soon as possible. They were very nice and did not make me come back during regular hours.

The chicks all made it and look very energetic. They had water for the first few hours and now have chick feed. I'm switching their water though by adding Sav-A-Chick for at least a couple days. They are in the brooder and look to be comfortable with the temp.

I have managed to identify 4 of the 8 but a few of the breeds are just too close for my untrained eye. I will post a pic soon for some much needed help.

Easily Identified was the Rhode Island Red, Golden Buff, Australorp, and the Barred Rock.

I also have ordered 2 Easter Eggers, 1 Cream Legbar, and 1 Speckled Sussex. These are are very similar to my eye.

Here's a quick photo when I opened the box but I'll post a better one later this afternoon.

I'm curious when I can relax a bit. I know that chicks can often die right after they arrive too. Any point I can relax and be confident they will make it? I have the kids in a holding pattern to name any chicks until they are a little stronger/older/healthier as I'm trying to not get them attached to any particular bird.

 

[Capodimusica]

Okay, only three now that I'm not sure about. This little girl looked up at me...pretty sure she's my Speckled Sussex.

 

[keesmom]

Speckled Sussex are chipmunk chicks with a reddish cast, single combs and white legs. EEs are often chipmunks as well, but will have pea combs and usually have muffs and green legs.