I have received four shipments of chicks.
The first on Feb 25 from Ideal, 25 chicks all alive and well. Didn't lose a chick.
The second from a friend this summer. Lost two after a day or two. No big deal. Express mail and they were a day late.
The third , express mail, 20 chicks, 10 DOA, 2 clearly dieing and could not be saved and died that day. They were also a day late.
The fourth, express mail, replacements 8 all alive , one died a few days later for unknown reasons. Also a day late.
If you as a shipper use Express mail you are guaranteed over night delivery or you get a postage refund. If you as a shipper of chicks, ship chicks that have not hatched THAT DAY, then you own the risk of dead chicks. Everyone knows chicks can go for three days after hatching without eating. You should not ship chicks after even one day after birth and expect me to bear the risk. Or you should not expect me to, IMO.
My advice , since I worked for the PO is to get your package, letter or chicks into the mail IN THE MORNING. DO NOT SHIP IN THE AFTERNOON. The last two shipments were shipped after 5 pm. NOT GOOD.
When I bid on chicks I put the top price I will pay and I put a fair price, or at least what I can afford. If you don't get what you'd like that's the risk you take in the auctions. If that is what you used of course. I'd have no problem bidding on the seller of shipments #3 and #4. They said no refund but were good enough to replace DOA.s I didn't expect replacements once they left the PO and were deemed alive.
Of course each is free to offer or not offer what they choose.
Finally these days do not expect Express mail to get anywhere over night. The PO is in dire straights, just like a lot of other companies. I don't work there anymore but I have friends who do.
I wish you well,
Rancher