what are the advantages or disadvantages

[Rhode Island momma]

What are the advantages of shipped eggs vs. shipped day old chicks?

 

[Sphinx]

Well, I'm a complete idiot, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.


I think that day old chicks are a much surer bet. I think that you get a 95+% survival rate. Whereas with eggs, I've heard that when they're shipped, getting much over 60% is pretty remarkable. Day old chicks are more expensive compared to eggs. Day old chicks you can often specify pullet or straight run.

However, I think it would be very thrilling to hatch out chicks instead of the instant gratification of instant chicks.

 

[mstricer]

Well with day old chicks you can get girls only. (Pro) Hatching its a surprise with every egg (pro and con depending how you look at it) There are so many different reasons why people choose either/or. For instance, I love my EE's and would love to hatch them, they are relatively easy to hatch, but I DO NOT like the roosters, they are nasty critters, haven't found one I liked yet. (I think they are the devils spawn) that is why I order all girls, so I don't have to deal with the yucky boys. But also, I love the excitement of the hatching process, the last 3 days are the best its like Christmas and your b-day rolled into one. (pro)
You definitely get great exercise during that time (double that if you have stairs, again pro and con depending how you look at it) Chance's are that you don't even have to ask this question because you will end up doing both. Good Luck with your decision. Michele

 

[skillswife]

Eggs in general are a gamble, then you add shipping and its even worse. I vote live chicks. But then I had 35 chicks shipped, from MM hatchery all alive and well. The shipped eggs I purchased, not a one made it. So I guess I am a tad biased.

 

[Arielle]

Each has a purpose. THe sure bet is hatched chicks; many many choices from big hatcheries to privately breed varieties. Shipped eggs, IMO, are when you need bloodlines or vareities not available any other way. The most expensive shipped eggs I've seen this year are $150 for a dozen lav orpingtons and $100/doz FBCM.Shipped eggs may or may not hatch because of the stress of shipping. The most expensive chickens were $1000 a pair.What is your goal?