Where to buy chicks...another question.

[Lobzi]

Is it not good to buy from local feed and pet stores? It seems like it is easier on the chicks not to be delivered via parcel post, yet I read posts about people buying through the mail only. I would appreciate your advice.

 

[conny63malies]

I always thought they get them delivered from a big hatchery too. I think my TSc got them from Mt Healthy or Meyer. Igot my chicks from the store or hatched ordered eggs. People deceide to order through the mail because lt of times they feedstore is out of a particular sex, color or breed.

 

[MommyM]

I ordered through the mail because I wanted females only. We saw some baby chicks several weeks ago at a feed store. We asked the worker if they could tell which were female, we wanted female chicks. They told us 'all chickens are female' then he says 'oh, well, the roosters are the females, the hens are the males' and at that point we just left. You would think they could give their employees a little information....

 

[ravenfeathers]

Quote:
sounds like they did give them a little information: a little information on how to move those roosters.

 

[Lobzi]

Well this all makes sense to me. I was just wondering if the chicks were not so good quality from store. I was in looking at some chicks last night and one could not walk. A lady looking with me pointed it out to the young men working there and they did nothing. The poor thing was being run over by the others and I doubt it could get to the water or food. My heart broke...I should have bought the poor baby.

 

[nakactress]

I have bought my chicks from a local IFA store and the employees were fantastic. Answered all my questions, gave me great advice. It was one employee that convinced me to do it. Last summer when my Leghorn got injured(got caught in a fence that broke during a wind storm), they helped me find the right animal hospital.
I guess I'm lucky. Even the stock boys were able to explain to me about the difference in feeds.

That reminds me, I was impressed when I had yard questions and they took the time to sit down and really explain what I needed to do to bring my yard back to good health. Previous owners did not take care of it. I love IFA!!

 

[jadell]

Just wanted to let you know that the feed stores probably get the chicks through the mail from a hatchery, then you have to pay the middle man (the feed store) price. When you order directly from the hatchery, you get the right breed and most times the right sex. Oh yeah, and you skip the middle man.

 

[sloop2]

Hello, I am brand new to raising chicks and have so many questions. Please forgive me if I am long winded. My son's 1st grade class hatched 10 of 12 eggs and I took home 4 of the babies. I don't even know what type they are and wonder if someone can help? They started as the typical yellow puff balls, and now at almost 3 weeks old are getting really big and turning a lovely white color. Maybe a leghorn? Is there a web site that can help me determine their breed as they continue to grow? Thanks for any help!!!! And thank you all for this site!!!!

 

[okiemommy]

I would start a new thread asking for chick ID and post pictures. There are so many breeds (and variant colors within the breeds) that is too hard to say unless there are pics. Some of the folks on here would probably be able to point you in the right direction at least.