Packing Peanuts?

[mkwags]

I've never ordered chicks, so I am wondering what "packing peanuts" are that I am reading about on here. Do "they" send random extra baby chicks to fill up your box? If so, are they free?

 

[CityClucks]

Yes, packing peanuts are primarily unwanted male chicks, often of a different breed than your order, and they're included to help keep all the chicks warm during their trip from the hatchery to you. They are free.

 

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
Yes it is extra Male baby chicks and yes they are free. They are sent to keep your order warm.

 

[mkwags]

Wow, thanks! I had no idea. Are they always male? Is it all Hatcheries or just some that do this?

 

[CityClucks]

All the packing peanuts I've ever gotten were male. All the hatcheries I know of (except My Pet Chicken, which isn't a hatchery - they get their chicks from Meyer) do this. Some hatcheries, like Ideal Poultry, give you the option of declining packing peanuts (they call them "Males for Warmth"), but if you do this they will not refund or replace if anything happens to your shipment (i.e., they are DOA).

 

[mkwags]

Thanks for all the responses on this. It's one more thing I now know about having chickens! Thanks!