Tragedy and still no new chicks

[Urban Chaos]

So we are that newbie who found out the hard way that our dogs are smarter than we thought. They managed to unlatch the door to the hen house and it was a total loss. Luckily for my kids, there were no little chickie bodies, they had apparently all been eaten. One of our dogs (lab/German short-haired pointer) has a reputation for opening gates and doors, but we didn't think she would be able to undo the latch on the coop - how very wrong we were.

So, we have changed out the latch type to the ones that you put a keyed lock through - If she is able to get through these I'm gonna retire early and go on the road with her

Problem is, all the hatcheries that I contacted are out until May, and the 3 feed stores I visited were out until next week

I can wait a week, I'm just bummed about the loss of my little ones and restless to get started anew.

 

[Whoachick33]

Try Purely Poultry. I just ordered my chicks from there today, and they aren't out of anything that i'm aware of.

http://www.purelypoultry.com/

 

[HHandbasket]

Also, check the "Where am I? Where are you?" thread. Perhaps there is someone in your area with chicks available. I think the best chickens I've gotten have come from fellow BYCers.

 

[nurseshelly]

I'm so sorry to hear about your chicks!!!

Michele

 

[CowgirlPenny]

I ordered from Ideal Poultry, they had a lot that shipped just a week out. Also, most tractor supplies will be getting their chicks very soon. I'm going to TRY really hard not to go,lol.

I'm so sorry about your chicks. I can't imagine how that feels to care for them daily and then they are just all gone in an instant.

 

[Komaki]

Have you tried hatching your own chicks? You can get in as much trouble as me then. I hatch all year round. I want to post pics, but this web site is WAY smarter than I am.

But getting back to my point, I don't understand why chicks are only sold in the spring.

 

[catdaddy66]

I am acutely aware of your loss, as I had 30 (my whole flock) get killed at 10 weeks old from a dog attack!

My 2 and 2 neighbor dogs were the culprits. These were my very first order and I had 100% survival from the day I received them. I got 12 more the very next day from my local F & S store and have not looked back since! I know you will raise great birds when you get the next batch. Good Luck!