TSC Chicks

[Dee-Dee]

You'll have to assume bins are labeled correctly, but one thing I try to do (might be hard this year because chicks are selling out fast) is I look up the breeds available and double check what the chicks should look like vs what is in the bins. That should at least help you with getting what you *think* you're getting (though I've had my share of oops as far as breeds).

Otherwise as a general rule the chick breeds available should be suitable for your area, so get what you like. Look for bright eyed, somewhat active birds - if an employee grabs a bird that just doesn't seem right to you for any reason, ask them to get a different one. To try and avoid males I always specify to the employees to not grab overly friendly or curious chicks or chicks that stand upright... it's not a guarantee but males are more likely to fit those descriptions.

Thank you so much for all of the great advice! Seriously...I truly appreciate it!

 

[Dee-Dee]

UPDATE: We just left TSC with no chicks. The manager was super nice and apologized several times. She said the post office hadn't called yet but said she expected them to call anytime. We waited until about 10am. They only had some bantams and some ducks left over from last week. The manager asked to take our name and number to call us when they come in. I thought that was really nice. I just hope and pray we will be able to get there before they sell out.

 

[townchicks]

Good luck. I really want you to get your chicks. You have been doing your homework and gathering what you need ahead of time, you deserve them. Meanwhile, think about your coop. Check out the coop pages, because the extra time always seems to be needed.

 

[Dee-Dee]

UPDATE #2: My husband checked our local store again on his way home from work. The shipment never came in today. He called another store about 30 mins away from us, and they had 20 ISA brown and 20 buff orpington "pullets." So we all went to check out the chicks there and bought 8 of the orpingtons. We are on our way home now. I am nervous and excited all in one. Thank you, everyone, for all of your helpful comments. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we start this new adventure.

 

[camoloc]

uh yeah, the young lad at TSC who boxed the chicks said I was getting Turkeys........

after correcting him twice that they are "Turkens" or Naked Necks, I gave up with conversation a smiled cause I was at least getting chicks!!!

youngins go figure.

this weekend neither TSC or Bomgarrs had anything available.

glad I hit the store when I did!

growing quick !!!

camo

 

[Iluveggers]

UPDATE #2: My husband checked our local store again on his way home from work. The shipment never came in today. He called another store about 30 mins away from us, and they had 20 ISA brown and 20 buff orpington "pullets." So we all went to check out the chicks there and bought 8 of the orpingtons. We are on our way home now. I am nervous and excited all in one. Thank you, everyone, for all of your helpful comments. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we start this new adventure.

Congratulations! Orpingtons are a wonderful starter breed! And it looks like the breed is correct, lol, at least from that pic!

uh yeah, the young lad at TSC who boxed the chicks said I was getting Turkeys........

after correcting him twice that they are "Turkens" or Naked Necks, I gave up with conversation a smiled cause I was at least getting chicks!!!

youngins go figure.

this weekend neither TSC or Bomgarrs had anything available.

glad I hit the store when I did!

View attachment 4081215
growing quick !!!

camo

Aww, I love "turkeys"! lol Enjoy them!

 

[Dee-Dee]

Congratulations! Orpingtons are a wonderful starter breed! And it looks like the breed is correct, lol, at least from that pic!

Aww, I love "turkeys"! lol Enjoy them!

Whew! Good! I was praying they were all the right breed. I know nothing about orpingtons. Time for me to do a lot more research. I am praying not many/none are roosters!

 

[RobinsRoost74]

Does anyone have advice on picking/raising chicks from TSC? I am going tomorrow morning in hopes of buying my first-ever chicks. I have a lot of the supplies already (heating plate, chick food, chick grit, a large plastic container, to name a few), but know I probably need other things, too. I live on a double lot in a very small village that allows hens, but no roosters. Does TSC sex the chicks for you? Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. I have so many questions but will leave it here for now.

Hi there! I went to my local TSC before I got my Orps and they said that they were sexed, but honestly I'm sure a roo may slip by. I have heard a lot of issues with TSC chicks this year, so I'd definitely supplement them for the first few days home with Hydro Hen. I give mine access for 12 hours then swap out for fresh water the other half of the day if they experience any stress. Looking forward to seeing your new brood of babies!

Robin

 

[RobinsRoost74]

Also congrats on your Orpingtons! They are SUCH little characters! You're going to LOVE them!

 

[camoloc]

some of the nakeds are starting to get some tail feathers for sure. the 3 bigger bodied darker ones have the longest so far.

camo