picking up chicks and then going to work...advice please

[san415]

I have an order of chicks coming the week of may 19th. I have managed to get my silkie hen broody, so they will go under her to be raised. She did a great job with other chicks I fostered under her.

Here is my problem, I can not take a day off work right now. But I can take them to work. I work with the public at a UPS building, so the 5 chicks will need to be left in the box and put in the back area. I wont be able to fuss with them much. After I pick them up from the post office I will give them food and water. But will a heating pad on low, under part of the box be enough heat till I get them home? I am really pushing my boss so a heat lamp set up would I think put him over the edge!

My Pet Chicken is located in Connecticut and I live in Michigan. I can't remember if last time the chicks actually came from that state, but if so they will need the whole two days to get to me. So the heat thing in the box will be "out" of heat.

Thanks for any advice

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

My post office calls very very early...like 4-6 am. I am hoping they call you early enough that you can get them set up at your home before work.


Also, the chicks will make a LOT of noise. That is the only thing....

 

[Folly's place]

I've been able to pick up the chicks and rush them home to their pre-heated brooder. The post office calls me at 6:30am, so it works for me. Do you have a friend or neighbor who could help? Another 8 to 10 hours in the box isn't the best for those chicks. Let your post office know that you want to be called ANY TIME the birds arrive. Mary

 

[gander007]

Oh that is so true you must make contact with the Post Office .....

 

[san415]

Thanks everyone. I have had chick's delivered by the post office twice before. In both time I was able to get the day off. Neither time would the post office let me pick up the chick's prior to when their customer center opened. So the chick's must come to work with me. I have no other option. I will be able to provide food and water. I will also be able to plug in a heating pad.
I am unsure about the heat aspect. Heating pad on low? Under the box or on top? Under only part of box? If it's warm enough (right now in Michigan it is not) and my car can be kept warm enough but not too warm, keep them in the warm car?
I am checking the interior temps of both a box on top of a heating pad, and in my car. Neither is perfect.

Has any one had this problem.

 

[gander007]

I guess there is good points to a small town Post Office ...

How close are you going to be able to get the pad to
90F degrees is the important thing here ....

The car might work if it is not too cold or hot ....

Not a ideal situation but it sounds like your boss is willing
to work with you a bit .....