NY chicken lover!!!!

[Pyxis]

So I took a cute flock pic today to use as my avatar but I think my phone is smarter than me. How do I add an avatar?

Hover over your name in the top right corner in the blue blar, then click change my avatar At least that's how you do it on the regular version of the site.

On the chick front - the seller is feeling really bad for me, and has offered to sell me six more chicks at a discount, then ship all twelve together and see how that goes. I'll have to see what price she can do since the first six were already pushing it financially this close to Christmas. We shall see. It shouldn't be necesarry though - it's a 6 hour plane ride from California to New York. They should have no problems getting the chicks here on time and keeping them alive.

 

[Chicken girl 15]

Don't think that I didn't think about it. Looks like we are about 2 hours..Maybe a day trip 

It will not be easy. My first suggestion is to get a halter on him that fits well, but is big enough that if you have to leave it on for a few weeks that he has room in it. Attached a rope to it that is just a few feet long. Just long enough so you can get a hold of him, but not so long as he can get himself caught up in it. I used to braid up some baling twine and make it about 2 feet long. When you are putting it on him try to rub his neck and down his back so he gets used to being touched. It make take a little while to get him used to putting the halter on and off.

As long as the Momma is okay, you can try to lead him around the mare in a nice contained area. If you aren't comfortable in a small area you can do it as you walk them out, but it will be a 2 person job. Someone needs to lead the mare and the other needs to handle the foal. When you try to walk him for the first time he is going to try to pull you all over the place. Just hang on. Keep a steady pressure with the lead rope. You will probably need to walk with him as he pulls backward, but you really need to pay attention to his body language so that the minute that he shifts his body weight in the direction that you want him to go that you release the pressure on him. It is a positive reinforcement. It will not be a fast process, but in a few weeks he should be walking better. Just make sure to watch yourself and I recommend gloves so you don't get rope burn. 

I think that we are only a few hours apart. If you need help, maybe I could come down on a weekend to help you out.

momma is fine with him being messed with. In fact Sunday she shoved him out of the stall . She is ready to have him be more independent. They even have a 2nd foal a month older than him that they bought from the Amish. She is broke and leads like a pro. I wish I had a barn to put her in I would buy her. I have her to the point she will cross tie for me while I brush her. She does foward, reverse and come around. She also ignores my dogs and the chickens can walk under her with no problems. The mare she gets turned out with is a dream as well. So gentle my 8 year old tends to her, including leading her.

I promise I will get that stubborn foal to lead if it kills me, which is a possibility. Lol.

 

[Chicken girl 15]

Im

Hover over your name in the top right corner in the blue blar, then click change my avatar At least that's how you do it on the regular version of the site.

On the chick front - the seller is feeling really bad for me, and has offered to sell me six more chicks at a discount, then ship all twelve together and see how that goes. I'll have to see what price she can do since the first six were already pushing it financially this close to Christmas. We shall see. It shouldn't be necesarry though - it's a 6 hour plane ride from California to New York. They should have no problems getting the chicks here on time and keeping them alive.

I'm on mobile.

 

[rancher hicks]

Hover over your name in the top right corner in the blue blar, then click change my avatar

At least that's how you do it on the regular version of the site.

On the chick front - the seller is feeling really bad for me, and has offered to sell me six more chicks at a discount, then ship all twelve together and see how that goes. I'll have to see what price she can do since the first six were already pushing it financially this close to Christmas. We shall see. It shouldn't be necesarry though - it's a 6 hour plane ride from California to New York. They should have no problems getting the chicks here on time and keeping them alive.

How many chicks were being shipped? Most hatcheries won't ship less than 25 for the safety of the chicks.

I do hope she/he intends to refund your money for the chicks that don't make it. How many have made it so far. Perhaps you can find someone to go in on this next event.

I assume you've both called your post offices. Also there is the head post master in your state you can contact. DO NOT expect e-mail to be sufficient hard copy in writing. Certified return receipt.

This is from the National league of postmasters site. I'd write a letter simply explaining the problem and send a copy to each. Do not write a long drawn out letter. Use a large font for easy reading. Don't forget to tell them how much money this has cost.


New York State Branch

President

Frank Kouba
109 College Plaza
Selden, NY 11784-9998
Office: (631) 732-8627
Email: [email protected]
Branch Website: www.nypostmasters.org

California State Branch


President

Jeffrey Perry
16096 Locust St
Delhi, CA 95315-9998
Office: (209) 668-1309
Email: [email protected]
Branch Website: www.postmasters.hypermart.net

 

[Pyxis]

Thanks Rancher! It was six chicks, and the seller has sent extras both times. I had assumed they would be okay since the seller sends them with two heat packs to keep them warm and it should be only one day in transit, but so far that's not working out, obviously. I will try writing to them but I doubt anything will be done - in fact, not too long ago the post office tried to charge more for shipping chicks and not guarantee them - without improving the way they ship them. Luckily that was shot down when tons of people, myself included, found out and signed a petition to stop that. So I really don't think they'll care much, but I will try.

 

[boskelli1571]

Thanks Rancher! It was six chicks, and the seller has sent extras both times. I had assumed they would be okay since the seller sends them with two heat packs to keep them warm and it should be only one day in transit, but so far that's not working out, obviously. I will try writing to them but I doubt anything will be done - in fact, not too long ago the post office tried to charge more for shipping chicks and not guarantee them - without improving the way they ship them. Luckily that was shot down when tons of people, myself included, found out and signed a petition to stop that. So I really don't think they'll care much, but I will try.

Sorry for all your problems - frustrating, heartbreaking and sad. USPS has a very poor record on shipping 'live' things it seems. Unfortunately, they seem to be the only game in town.

Hugs 4 u.
On another front, I did my first bumblefoot surgery today! Followed the instructions on the BYC site here and voila! It was an odd little core though. It looked like the skin had folded up causing a large black spot and then a smaller one on the side of the fold. By the time I dug them out, there was a small communicating hole between them. She tolerated it well, especially since she doesn't like to be picked up... thank you to whoever guided my hand...

 

[akaruby]

Pyxis- so sorry about the chicks, that's so sad to go through once, let alone twice!!

I'm making a drive to Indiana to see my family for an early Thanksgiving. Pretty excited to see them, but hope the chickens do well with someone just checking in every now and then. They have two hanging nipple waterers that have aquarium heaters in and a big feed bucket.

 

[horsekeeper]

I have mostly OE now, but some look more blue than olive. I do still have my silver ameraucana rooster I will put over some of the girls. The offspring should have some nice egg color. What are your thoughts on frizzle?

Not crazy about frizzle, but wouldn't turn one down if it was an EE or OE.

 

[horsekeeper]

Thanks Rancher! It was six chicks, and the seller has sent extras both times. I had assumed they would be okay since the seller sends them with two heat packs to keep them warm and it should be only one day in transit, but so far that's not working out, obviously. I will try writing to them but I doubt anything will be done - in fact, not too long ago the post office tried to charge more for shipping chicks and not guarantee them - without improving the way they ship them. Luckily that was shot down when tons of people, myself included, found out and signed a petition to stop that. So I really don't think they'll care much, but I will try.

So sad for those poor little babies (and you, too). That's why I haven't ordered chicks from anyone unless I can pick them up in person. I know it is a crap shoot, but have you considered getting hatching eggs instead? That way nothing dies. I've had from 2 to 10 hatch out of a dozen shipped from all over. My other plan is to suck it up and spend the money to get a good quality adult shipped. I'm having trouble finding good standard size buff cochin. It sure is hard to acquire a new breed or an old one that has gone out of favor. I did see a few cemani at the Cobleskill chicken show in September.

 

[akaruby]

I've ordered twice from Meyer and only one chick died after about 40 hours, it was just weak from the start. I'm doing the hatching egg thing this time around.