NY chicken lover!!!!

[marquisella]

So I was informed last night of the reasoning behind why I couldn't get my chicks shipped from CT. There WAS a miscommunication on their end. I was told that "Chicks must be shipped within 24 hours of hatching as they only have 3 days worth of nutrients in their system. After that they need to wait till they are mostly grown where they can handle a couple days in transit with no food and water. I physically could ship the chicks but it violates USPS rules and the risk of them arriving in very poor condition is very high."

But now this makes me curious, does this vary by state? Because I have been in contact with someone who has 4wk olds that is willing to ship to me, so what is going to be done as far as food and water goes for these chicks? I do believe if I decide to purchase they mentioned they will be shipped Next Day which is probably the difference. I guess everyone is different in the way they handle the shipping of the chickens.

I actually prefer to ship after 2 weeks. They are much hardier by then than day olds. I put in bread & oranges so they have food & liguid with sugar for energy. Works well for me.
I also put in 3 day heat packs so they don't get cold. It makes a huge difference.

 

[rancher hicks]

I actually prefer to ship after 2 weeks. They are much hardier by then than day olds. I put in bread & oranges so they have food & liguid with sugar for energy. Works well for me.
I also put in 3 day heat packs so they don't get cold. It makes a huge difference.

Allow me to interject. I had chicks shipped from NC that were clearly NOT day olds. They'd been banded and so I think they were slightly older. The shipment was late and most were dead. I was in shock. I'd never had that happen. It was cold and I think Marq has the right idea.

Cheap out on the resources to keep the chicks alive and you lose a customer and get a bad rep.

BTW the next two shipments were late too. I never received a refund for the shipping even though over night is guaranteed.

I would have rather paid more for the extra food and heat pack than receive replacements.

 

[Lynzi777]

I actually prefer to ship after 2 weeks. They are much hardier by then than day olds. I put in bread & oranges so they have food & liguid with sugar for energy. Works well for me.
I also put in 3 day heat packs so they don't get cold. It makes a huge difference.

This makes sense, I figured who ever is shipping would throw food in there but I was wondering what people did as far as liquids-just hope the chicks make it?? I think the orange idea is great!

 

[Lynzi777]

Wanted to share of pic of my Silkie roo and Orpington mix hen from this weekend....

 

[marquisella]

Quote: Its not the food or water, its the heat that keeps the chicks alive. If they get cold, they will pile on top of each other and die. I learned my lesson a few years ago. a 2 day heat pack isn't enough, so I splurge for the 3 day. Makes all the difference. Of course, being able to pick up chicks is the ideal, but we can't always do that.

I have to brag here....not to change the subject, but I just hatched out my first, home bred Lavendar Wyandotte! I did it myself...Now, to get it to live so I can get eggs from it, hopefully its a girl. I have a few more eggs in the incubator, so far, 1 lavender & 2 black splits to lavender.

 

[rancher hicks]

Its not the food or water, its the heat that keeps the chicks alive. If they get cold, they will pile on top of each other and die. I learned my lesson a few years ago. a 2 day heat pack isn't enough, so I splurge for the 3 day. Makes all the difference. Of course, being able to pick up chicks is the ideal, but we can't always do that.

I have to brag here....not to change the subject, but I just hatched out my first, home bred Lavendar Wyandotte! I did it myself...Now, to get it to live so I can get eggs from it, hopefully its a girl. I have a few more eggs in the incubator, so far, 1 lavender & 2 black splits to lavender.

I would not have been so upset but I spent $180 for chicks and got crooked toes, weak chicks. I do believe you are right about the heat. No one should expect an overnight shipment to arrive on time anymore. One of my shipments I got last year came late and I had to drive to the PO to pick them up. They should have made a special delivery. Two were dead in that shipment.

I do believe I'm beginning to see the wisdom of the Wyandotte breed. No frost bitten combs. Even with heat my Del roosters did not do good at all. I've seen the Blue Wyandotte eggs for sale. Though having them that are hardy and lay fairly well is important.

Congrats and I wish you many more.

 

[Tough Old Bird]

I quite understand. I had storage on one side too. Now it's coop space and storage is moved to the garage. You have however given me an idea of how to lower the ceiling and use the space for something else. Hopefully not chickens. Maybe stack the wood shavings up there. I buy when they go on sale so I have about 7 - 10

I am glad that maybe in some little way I could finally give you something of value to help with your set up!

I hope I don't have to use my storage for future coop space! Must NOT become proficient at chicken math....must NOT become proficient at chicken math....

Rancher, where is Country Max located? Do you know when they might have shavings going on sale?

that sounds like a good idea. My coop is to low for that, but it would be nice. The crate coop is easy to clean without bending but not very big.

Thanks. The "poop chute" design for quick clean-out was the hubby's idea. I loved it the second he mentioned it.

Hope something good comes to you in the way of job leads, Rancher. Don't worry. Things will work out!


TOB

 

[Tough Old Bird]

I have to brag here....not to change the subject, but I just hatched out my first, home bred Lavendar Wyandotte! I did it myself...Now, to get it to live so I can get eggs from it, hopefully its a girl. I have a few more eggs in the incubator, so far, 1 lavender & 2 black splits to lavender.

Hooray for you! I will have to look up Lavendar Wyandottes, as I haven't seen a pic of one yet. I'm assuming completely gorgeous, though! Hope "SHE" is a strong, healthy chick. Congrat's.


TOB

 

[vmdanielsen]

Its not the food or water, its the heat that keeps the chicks alive. If they get cold, they will pile on top of each other and die. I learned my lesson a few years ago. a 2 day heat pack isn't enough, so I splurge for the 3 day. Makes all the difference. Of course, being able to pick up chicks is the ideal, but we can't always do that.

I have to brag here....not to change the subject, but I just hatched out my first, home bred Lavendar Wyandotte! I did it myself...Now, to get it to live so I can get eggs from it, hopefully its a girl. I have a few more eggs in the incubator, so far, 1 lavender & 2 black splits to lavender.

YAY! Congrats!!

 

[Breella]

Rancher, where is Country Max located? Do you know when they might have shavings going on sale?

Across the street from the red apple gas station on 290, by Freemont Road. It's in a plaza with a Dollar General, ARC of Onondaga and there is a Tim Hortons in the parking lot.

I buy the noble shavings for my horse, in bulk so I'm just going to use them for the chickens too.

As for being on sale they just had a sale on them, I get mine straight from Noble themselves so it's cheaper. Actually the whole barn puts in an order and they deliver about 100 or so bags to us at the barn. Very nice guys at Noble.