Only 2 of 6 survived

[AshleyFL]

We're first time chick parents. We ordered 6 different chicks from Meyer Hatchery. 1 was DOA, 1 wasn't moving and died within an hour, 1 was barely moving and died within a few hours. Our Delaware was the loudest this morning, but she stopped moving this afternoon and passed. We have an ambient heat brooder that had good reviews. We bought the electrolyte pack and mixed 1/10th tsp into a gallon as directed. We've changed the water a few times to make sure it's clean. The other 2 chicks seem happy.. they're eating and moving around a lot. I wish we could figure out what happened.. we didn't anticipate such high mortality. This is too sad.

 

[rossi.chicks]

I'm so sorry for your loss! It sounds like they had a pretty stressful trip and you didn't do anything wrong. I'm a total newbie so I don't have advice but just wanted to send virtual hugs. About a month ago we got our first batch of chicks and one died a couple hours after getting her home. I still feel sadness over that loss.

 

[AshleyFL]

I really appreciate the hugs and reassurance.

 

[blackdog043]

When did they ship and how long did it take for them to get to you?
Did you call Meyer and let them know? They should replace them.
Shipping stress can cause chicks not to survive.

 

[AshleyFL]

When did they ship and how long did it take for them to get to you?
Did you call Meyer and let them know? They should replace them.
Shipping stress can cause chicks not to survive.

They shipped Monday and arrived at the post office this morning. I picked them up at 7:45am today so almost 48hrs. I called Meyer about the first 2, and they offer a refund or a credit for the chicks and a free shipping if ordered within 30 days. I wish I could get chicks locally.

 

[Rogue Chickens]

Aww I'm so sorry. I'm a newbie too... My chicks are now a week old. We ordered 8 and lost 3 by day 2. It was sad, but I'm hoping they didn't suffer much.

 

[MROO]

I ordered 6 from Meyer last year. We got one survivor and the runaround. We were offered a credit, but my breeds were no longer available, so I would have to pay for shipping again the following season. They finally refunded my money. Never again.

If you can't get chicks locally - try these ideas:

• Check into local poultry shows. You can usually find a breeder there - and may see the parents, or at least some representative stock, before you order.
• Contact your local Agricultural Extension/4H Office. Ours puts multiple mini incubators in five or six different schools - and most of the chicks get returned to them. You'll get straight run, but you'll usually get a good mix of layers.
• If you want a specific breed, contact your local elementary school - yes, elementary school! Ours hatches eggs every year, and often has trouble finding homes for all of them. If you provide the eggs - your choice of breeds - some teachers will hatch them for you - a win-win for everybody!