Pick up chicks vs mailing them

[Chicken_Hubster]

I got my chicks from the mail order process. They all are healthy and happy. I thought that if they died within like the first 2 days the hatcheries normally replace them. Am I mistaken?

 

[ErieSpurs]

We just drove an hour to pick up our chicks from Meyer Hatchery here in Ohio. Definitely worth the trip. Even picked up a few extras they had (the extras are Blue Andalusians).

I've had ducks and geese shipped twice before from Ideal and only lost 1.

If I had my choice I would always pick them up, just my preference though.

 

[ranchhand]

I drove 13 hours each way to get 13 Delaware Blue Hen chicks. Went from SC to DE and back in 2 days. So you KNOW what I'm going to say!

But there are lots of BYCers in your area, it would be great to get chicks from BYC breeders! Check the BSA pages.

 

[ErieSpurs]

Quote:
Generally Yes. Usually they will give you credit for your next order, the problem is you have to place another order.

 

[bakerjw]

I'd definitely drive up to 4 hours if I had to in order to pick up new chicks. Since feed store chicks are always readily available it seems to me that most mail orders are specialty or specific breeds. Best to give them every chance possible imho.

 

[Chickenmaven]

I got my first batch through the mail. Only because I hadn't done enough homework to know that there were many breeders within driving distance. I bet there are plenty of people near you who could be of help (and vice-versa, always nice to contribute to the local economy).

 

[featherz]

I looked for hatcheries within driving distance but it seems no one sells chickens out here, which is odd since I live in farmland. I went with MPC since I could NOT have 25 chickens and so far so good. I ordered 8 and got 8, and all were alive when I got them. I am keeping fingers crossed that they stay that way.

My next worry will be if I got any roos out of only 8 'pullets'.