So Very Worried About My Hatchery Order-----UPDATE------They're Here!!

[drdoolittle]

I ordered chicks from Ideal in Feb., and the lady who took my order set it for an April 6 hatch/ship date. Everything would have been fine, except that I am going to be in Chicago on the 8th. This was not expected, but something that I have to do-------it is the 6th grade trip with my youngest son. I had already told my son I would go on the trip (hubby went with our middle son when he was in 6th), but didn't find out the date until about 3 weeks ago. I called to cancel my hatchery order, but the woman said she would put a note with my order to ship on the 5th. Unfortunately, they are not shipping until some time today. My hubby will be in Indy for a business trip, so that leaves my 19 yr. old son to pick up the chicks at the P.O. and get them properly settled-----everything is already set up, but he said, "You've got to be kidding me!" when I told him he had to take them out of the box one-by-one and dip each of their beaks in the water (there are 23 chicks). I don't know how much I will enjoy my trip to Chicago if I'm worrying about the chicks.

 

[N&MSchroeder]

Well, just a guess here, but of course your 19 year old son didn't act thrilled with the prospect.

How would that look? Again, I am guessing, but since you have everything set up, have given him instructions, and are sure to check in "occasionally", things will go just fine. Who knows? You may have just unintentionally introduced someone to the joy that comes from raising chickens!

Good luck!

 

[drdoolittle]

I don't think he'll ever experience joy from raising chickens, but he is a really good kid, and loves animals, so I know he at least will try to do what I ask for the chicks. I'm just one of those people who think that if I want something done right, I have to be the one to do it. I've tried to work on this over the years, but when it comes to my animal "children", it is so hard to relinquish responsibility! Thanks for your words of enouragement-----and believe me, I will definately check in!

 

[featherz]

Don't stress TOO much - I use nipple waterers and I never show the chicks anything. They figure it out really quickly, and I am sure a regular chick waterer they'd probably figure out even faster. Worst case, of course. Just make sure everything else is set up for him.

 

[tryingtohaveitall]

Having just received an order of chicks 2 days ago, this is all fresh in my mind. My situation wasn't the same but I did have to drop them off at home, take them out, dip their little beaks in the water and leave for work, leaving my 12 yo DS in charge. I would make sure the lighting/warmth situation is all set before you go so you don't have to worry about that. Start it now, check the temp frequently to make sure it'll be in the 90-95 range. I'm sure they'll be fine. Have fun!

 

[hippiehen]

I bet your son will do great, especially when he sees the darling little peepers. This could be a great opportunity to show him how much you trust and appreciate him as well!

 

[drdoolittle]

Thanks so much everyone----I already feel a lot better!

 

[ginormous chicken]

Teenage boys can't act happy about raising chicks... imagine how "uncool" that would be. Secretly, I think he will enjoy lookin at them and getting them settled. Don't worry about it. Enjoy the trip. As long as he checks in on them I am sure they will be fine.

 

[drdoolittle]

They actually arrived this morning around 6:45!! I called yesterday, and the lady at Ideal said they didn't ship early, but would ship sometime that day----my heart kind of sank, but they all arrived this morning, very healthy!!!!

Here's what I got:
5 rare breed pullets: 1 buckeye, 1black langshan, 1 buttercup, 1 fayoumi, 1 red leghorn

2 Amercauna pullets

5 NN pullets

5 crested special (st. run) (Polish) 2 white, 1 black, 1 silver laced and, I think, 1 golden laced

5 self-blue silkies (st. run)

All these added to the 6 NNs and 6 black sexlinks from the feed store!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[drdoolittle]

Bump.