Ordered my first batch of chicks!

[Red Squirrel]

Ughhh don't you just hate delays

 

[andrhamm]

Yes! I replied asking if the delay was due to one or more of the breeds not being available until then... I would swap a couple out if it meant getting them in May

 

[Red Squirrel]

Oh good idea!

 

[JSossong]

Ah that's a bummer. The chicks I ordered weren't supposed to come till May and I was too impatient. I called around to every Tractor Supply in the area to locate a breed I wanted and ended up getting them 3 weeks ago instead. I'm happy that I couldn't wait because I want eggs ASAP! I spent so much time preparing I couldn't wait any longer. Which reminds me that I have to cancel my other order...or perhaps still get them and just have double the amount of chicks! I've had a great experience with my chicks so far and they're growing so fast -I'd love to have more.

My advice to you, a first timer, from a first timer, is don't sweat the small stuff. I literally have been planning on getting chicks for so long and spent SO much time preparing. But every veteran I talked to said I was over thinking everything and worrying too much. Which I see that I was now that I have them. As long as you have common sense they are so easy to take care of. Food, water, heat, clean brooder, thats about it. I think the hardest part is to try and NOT worry about them. I did end up losing a chick 6 days in for reasons unknown, so of course I was instantly worried about the others. I've heard from many that sometimes you just lose one for no reason, I was really bummed. I'm beside their brooder a million times a day checking on them, cleaning their water, trying to pet and cuddle them. The rest are doing great and growing so fast. I hope you have the same good luck I did!

 

[andrhamm]

I'll try not to worry too much! This weekend I made 4 back to back trips to Lowes (thankfully only a couple miles away) in my car to haul the cinder blocks for the coop foundation. Next time I'll rent a truck!

Customer support from chickensforbackyards got back to me and informed me that the shipment was delayed due to only 1 of the breeds not being available until then (Speckled Sussex). I responded asking them to swap out the SS for a White Leghorn or any of the other breeds I had in the order if it would push my ship date sooner. It's a slow process, I only get a response every 2 days or so.

 

[andrhamm]

Yay! I'm all set for a much earlier delivery... May 19th, my chicks will be on their way. They had to swap out my easter egger and the speckled sussex for another barred rock and buff orb... i'm ok with that!

Picking up all the wood for the coop this weekend!

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yay! I'm all set for a much earlier delivery... May 19th, my chicks will be on their way. They had to swap out my easter egger and the speckled sussex for another barred rock and buff orb... i'm ok with that!

Picking up all the wood for the coop this weekend!

Congrats! It's so hard to wait but I bet your glad to have a firm date! good luck!

 

[andrhamm]

Got the call from the post office early this morning... "Come pick up your chicks!". Got them into the brooder we set up in one of our spare rooms for now. All 8 chicks seem to be happy and healthy.






More pictures on my instagram page linked in my profile.