Nerve Racking!!

[catdaddy66]

This waiting game is horrendous! I really want to get my chicks (ship from Ideal on 2/17) but now I am reading some threads regarding their mortalty rate and healthcare have me a bit spooked at the same prospect. I don't think I will have great difficulty w/ the more unsavory aspects of caring for chickens, but I hate the idea that probably some of the babies WILL die despite all of my efforts! But the anticipation of chicken farming is extremely exciting also! Hopefully I have done all my research (mostly here on the pages of BYC!) and comprehended what was offered.

You never know until you try...and the Point is to Try!!

 

[Gonzo]

where is ideal located? I ordered some chicks this year from Mt. Healthy. Our feedstore rec. them, And I could'nt find anything negative about them. I like the fact that they're close to where I live.
Do you think some of the folks having problems with Ideal might live a good distance away? It's just a thought..

 

[Mahonri]

Just follow the guidelines and you should do fine.

The 41 chicks I hatched out on Jan 1st are all still alive.

 

[Chieftain]

You and I are in the exact same boat my friend. I have never raised a chicken in my life, and yet I find myself tonight serene, confident, and with five chooks in a brand new coop that I built with my two hands. They are healthy as they can be and are acting exactly like they should. It is amazing, but they instinctively know how to act exactly like chickens should.

I recommend you go to Amazon, and buy a copy of "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" by Gail Damerow. It will amaze you at how easy this is, how durable the chicks are, and how relatively simple it is to provide exactly what they need to thrive. It's mostly common sense, and not a lot different than what you would do for a child; recognize what their needs are, and provide whatever those needs are.

Relax, have a beer, and don't worry about things that are not in your control. Trust the advice you find here at BYC and most important, trust in your own abilities and common sense.

 

[clkingtx]

catdaddy66 - I wouldn't be too worried about the mortality rate and such. I ordered from Ideal, actually 3 or 4 times this year, I think. They are in Cameron, Texas. They are really healthy babies, and I get mine(north Texas) the day after they are shipped. The only order from them that I lost a chick so far is the one order I didn't give either honey or sugar in their water right away, so I think that is important. The key is to get in touch with your post office, find out when the chicks will arrive, be ready for them a couple of days before they arrive, keep everything as clean as you can; and never let them run out of food or water.
Watch them to find out the signs they give you, they really will let you know what they need. I firmly believe that Ideal sends out really healthy, strong chicks and after recovering from the shock of shipping, they will be very vigorous, and thrive. It sounds like you really want to take good care of them, I am sure they will do great!

I don't think it is a sure thing that you will lose some chicks, just do try to be prepared if it happens.

Hope you enjoy your chicks, and they do great for you!
Carrie

 

[MissAnnieFrannie]

I am also expecting my order from Ideal. I called and spoke with a very nice lady who assured me that everything should be fine. You can call them and request that extra straw be out in the box for warmth (I did). Other than that, I think we should be fine. People much further away seem to have beaming things to say about Ideal...

 

[dwegg]

It is nerve racking before you start but just jump in...I have never even been around chickens before and I built my coop, went to a chciken swap, a chicken show and I have even bathed a chicken since i got mine.

I am a city guy and because of BYC and the support and advice on here, my girls (all 7 layers and 2 new babies!) are very happy, healthy, producing 4-6 eggs a day! and I am addicted...

enjoy and be careful..I started out to just have 4!

 

[FortWorthChicks]

With the weather this year... its questionable. I ordered for Feb 3. and my chicks all arrived happy and healthy. All are thriving so far.

I live down here in Tx though and it was a one day delivery. Shipped Feb 3, arrived at my home before 8 am.

I might would wait just because the weather has been yuck and I think the groundhog was dead on this year.

I hope you have good luck with your new chicks!!!!

 

[lavacaw]

gonzo&hispeeps :

where is ideal located? I ordered some chicks this year from Mt. Healthy. Our feedstore rec. them, And I could'nt find anything negative about them. I like the fact that they're close to where I live.
Do you think some of the folks having problems with Ideal might live a good distance away? It's just a thought..

Ideal is located in Cameron, Texas (sort of central part of the state). I live fairly close so have never had a problem. I have had only 1 DOA in well over a hundred birds shipped over the years.​

 

[catdaddy66]

Quote:
I can't fault the logic or the sentiment, Chieftain!! I do feel 95% confident but that other percentage is a healthy reminder to stay diligent. I have read the book by Damerow and will buy a copy, but my local library has it.

Thanks to everyone for the words of experience! Nothing teaches like experience