Which is better???

[Stacyoung13]

When ordering from a hatchery, is it better to get live chicks or hatching eggs? What’s the percentage of eggs hatching verses chicks dying during shipment. I’m thinking about ordering, but not sure which way to go. It’s my first time ordering
All input is appreciated, everyone has their own thoughts and I would like to hear them Thanks

 

[sylviethecochin]

Just order chicks. I've never had a chick die during shipment, and you're lucky to get half of your eggs to hatch.
Don't order in freezing weather. And try to order from a hatchery near you.

 

[LRH97]

There are lots of variables with both. Shipped hatching eggs as a whole are a crapshoot. I've had really good hatches and really bad. That's also not factoring in anything that can go wrong during incubation.

Personally I'd go with chicks. Do your research on hatcheries, find out which one(s) are closest to you. Find out if they actually have their own flocks or if they're just a dropshipper. Chicks can and do die during shipping, be it from USPS carelessly handling them, getting lost, or just not being strong enough. However, most hatcheries offer a live arrival guarantee, so it is possible to get replacements or at least credits for anything lost. So this way, you know that you'll at least get birds. Hatching eggs, you're not as sure.