Ordering Chicks/Ducklings? Geting as Hachlings or eggs?

[Echo5]

So i was thinking of ordering the breeds of chickens and Ducks I want to get started. Just wondering If I ordered and they are a day or so old, and one doesnt look so good(in bad health), what should I do, do they just take them or am I stuck with it because its my order? I know at markets where they are running around in cages/boxes whatever, you can pick and choose, but im wondering if they come in a order if your still able to choose. Plus I dont want to drive out somewere to find They dont have the breeds I want. And Is it better to get them when they are a couple days old or not hatched yet? I know you have to get an incubator if I decide to get them in that manor. And if one chick/ducklings sick is there a great chance the others would be? Oh and what the minimum order at most places for hatched and eggs?
Thanks ~Newbie

 

[Widget]

Each hatchery has their own minimum order. Either number of chicks or a certain dollar amount.

I've always had good luck with day-old shipped chicks and ducklings. Even the ones that came all the way across the country. Most of the issues seem to be with the post office and how the babies are handled. Sometimes you do end up losing a chick but that doesn't mean the rest will have any issues.

Then there are the chicken swaps. Depending on state laws you may need to but 6 or more chicks if they are under a certain age (usually eight weeks). That means you would have to buy them all from the same person not a mix and match at several tables to get the minimum and follow the law. But if you go to a local breeder you could by one or two with no minimum. At least that is the case where I live.

Hatching out your own eggs is fun and addicting. But going that route doesn't always mean you will get a great hatch. With shipped eggs you can sometimes get close to 100% hatch but more often than not you are lucky to get 50%. Sometimes you may get 0%.

Finally keep in mind ducklings are messy little creatures. They seem to be experts at creating their own little swimming pools in the brooder no matter how you place the water dish. While the ducks love this chicks don't seem to agree. So if you do get both plan on having a couple brooders.

 

[Echo5]

Thanks

! I plan to have 4-5 chicks and 2 ducklings. If water becomes a problem in the brooder do you think a divider would work fine? I'd like them to grow up together at a young age to help prevent any problems later on.

 

[Widget]

It might. But as they get older in the brooder they may find ways to visit each other. I've raised both together successfully but keeping everyone dry was a constant battle. Once they got older everyone moved out to the coop together with no issues.

 

[PsychedChicken]

Whenever I get mail order chicks I always put a little gatorade in their water for the first week or two. Some people say sugar, some say apple cider vinegar. But it really perks them up. The extra electrolytes help them out tremendously. However, NEVER USE RED. If someone falls in it, or gets it on their face. Everyone will peck them like crazy! I made that mistake as a newbie and learned quick.

Ive always had excellent experiene with McMurray Hatchery, but you have to order 25. If you know someone who wants like 10-15 chicks then you order together and are set.

I would try using chicken wire or bird netting to separate them. This way they can see each other and interact without everyone getting soaked or having the water issues.