What to Expect from Shipped chicks

[Bear and Dart]

I like to give mine some gro-gel right after they arrive and I put some electrolytes in the water, which can usually be ordered from the hatchery and arrives in the box along with the chicks. I don't handle mine for the first day or two (unless they have pasty bums) so they can settle in and recover from the stress of shipping. Oh, and don't forget to relax and have fun! Chicks are delightful!

Thanks for your input!

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'd recommend getting some NutriDrench, too, maybe - just in case you have some chicks who don't travel well. A drop or two can make a world of difference.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Forgot to add: Good luck! Enjoy!!!!

 

[Bear and Dart]

I'd recommend getting some NutriDrench, too, maybe - just in case you have some chicks who don't travel well. A drop or two can make a world of difference.

Thank you! I will!

 

[Folly's place]

Make sure that when you visit or call your local post office that they do have your phone number or numbers, and that you are available to pick the babies up immediately when they call. Also, if the chicks arrive at another location, please call so that you will drive there, wherever, at any time.
This year, early April, my chicks arrived within 24 hours at another post office, and I drove there because they called me. It saved at least twelve hours, and maybe a whole day's transit time.
Then same hatchery, early May, the chicks arrived three days after shipping, and I was really worried (frantic!). I ordered fifteen, they sent eighteen, and two died the day of arrival. The rest are doing fine, and actually two out of eighteen was pretty good after three days!
As mentioned already, have your brooder set up and running, water and food there, so you can leap up and run to bring them home right away.
I always dip each little beak in the water, and have food on the paper towels covering the shavings around the feeder, and a full feeder. I don't believe that having chick feed there causes pasty butt! Shipping stress or later overheating, yes, but not food.
Mary

 

[AA Maple]

Make sure that when you visit or call your local post office that they do have your phone number or numbers,

I'd add to that, be ready for a call as early as 6AM (possibly earlier). The gals in my post office are in there super early unloading the morning truck and getting ready for the day. I get the call as soon as they hear a package chirping.

 

[CaradineCousins]

I never heard of waiting at least an hour before putting feed in, good advice. I always have water and dip beaks first. Will leave feed out next time. Good luck on your babies

 

[Folly's place]

Just don't leave the food out of the brooder, the chicks will drink and then start eating, and they need food if it's been more than two days in transit! Mine start eating within minutes, and the chicks who don't are watched carefully, and helped as needed.
mary

 

[Bear and Dart]

Make sure that when you visit or call your local post office that they do have your phone number or numbers, and that you are available to pick the babies up immediately when they call. Also, if the chicks arrive at another location, please call so that you will drive there, wherever, at any time.
This year, early April, my chicks arrived within 24 hours at another post office, and I drove there because they called me. It saved at least twelve hours, and maybe a whole day's transit time.
Then same hatchery, early May, the chicks arrived three days after shipping, and I was really worried (frantic!). I ordered fifteen, they sent eighteen, and two died the day of arrival. The rest are doing fine, and actually two out of eighteen was pretty good after three days!
As mentioned already, have your brooder set up and running, water and food there, so you can leap up and run to bring them home right away.
I always dip each little beak in the water, and have food on the paper towels covering the shavings around the feeder, and a full feeder. I don't believe that having chick feed there causes pasty butt! Shipping stress or later overheating, yes, but not food.
Mary

Thank you so much for this advice!

 

[Bear and Dart]

I never heard of waiting at least an hour before putting feed in, good advice. I always have water and dip beaks first. Will leave feed out next time. Good luck on your babies

Thank you!