My Pet Chicken is a middleman. Their minimum varies depending on where you live in. Their minimum of three is only for certain zip codes.
Ideal has a minimum dollar amount, not chick amount. Books and other poultry supplies count towards that minimum.
IMO, the simplest way to order a smaller than 25 amount from Ideal without getting packing peanuts is to hold off a little and order them later in the year, like May or June or whenever it's consistently warm where you live.
Then order a smaller amount, specify that you don't want packing peanuts when you order, and purchase the shipping insurance, which is no more than 2 or 3 dollars.
The chances of getting SQ from a hatchery is slim, but it does happen. It all depends on how serious the breeder (that supplies the hatchery with eggs) is about improving their breed.
Ideal has a minimum dollar amount, not chick amount. Books and other poultry supplies count towards that minimum.
IMO, the simplest way to order a smaller than 25 amount from Ideal without getting packing peanuts is to hold off a little and order them later in the year, like May or June or whenever it's consistently warm where you live.
Then order a smaller amount, specify that you don't want packing peanuts when you order, and purchase the shipping insurance, which is no more than 2 or 3 dollars.
The chances of getting SQ from a hatchery is slim, but it does happen. It all depends on how serious the breeder (that supplies the hatchery with eggs) is about improving their breed.