Which is better?

[yoie]

I had one of my chicks pass away last night. They were shipped Wednesday and I got them on Friday. The one didn't look the greatest from the start. Anyway, kids upset want one to replace it. Is is better to pick up just one from TSC or to have a small order shipped of just 3 chicks? I really don't want 3 more, but just worried about disease from TSC could bring home (everyone touching them). If I get just one from TSC, should I have it quarantined from the rest, and if so how long? New to the whole chick thing. Only done baby parrots in the past. A little different

 

[AlienChick]

If this were ME, I would just run down to TSC (early before all the manhandling begins) and pick up a couple more (in chicken math that equals 6).

 

[paceysgl5]

Where did you order from? Small orders from hatcheries prob won't do too well at this time of year. Ideal packs small orders with free males for warmth, which can be a bear to get rid of if you don't want 20 additional males running around...

I'd find some from your local TSC OR from breeders. That's what I did - we just added a total of 6 babies over the weekend from 2 different people after losing a few from an order from Ideal.

 

[yoie]

I think we will go to TSC, kids want to pick one out in person. Well maybe just 2

. They said they will be there Monday!

 

[faykokoWV]

just FYI, Most feed stores will place an order for you for as little as one chick. They just add it to their larger order and hold the chick for you. That way if you want a certain breed, but don't want to order a bunch you can. I believe TSC will do this as well, but they require a min. order of 6, check with them and see if you want to go this route.

 

[lleighmay]

If you don't know you might check with TSC before going in case your state has a minimum purchase requirement. In VA it's 6 (I think this was originally started so people wouldn't just pick out one or two "cute easter chicks" when they didn't really want chickens for the long haul. I'd hate for you to make a trip to TSC only to wind up with disappointed kids because you can't get a small amount.

 

[AlienChick]

Yeah, that's right.
We have a 6 chick minimum.
So there's no guilt in getting 6!

 

[yoie]

There is 19 in the brooder right now, do you think the hubby would notice 6 more

 

[AlienChick]

Quote:
Nah! I don't think he'll notice.
And if he does... just look very SHOCKED and PUZZLED.
Then refer to some sci-fi episode where creatures mysteriously multiplied.

 

[Judy]

In your position, I'd go with TSC to get them as soon as possible, to keep the ages similar, and just put them with the chicks I had. Yes, disease is possible, but a lot less likely this way than from a small farmer or similar. Disease is always possible as some of them are passed from mama to chicks, anyway. And if they've just arrived at the store, there won't have been a whole lot of customer handling. Lots of those folks handling them don't have chickens at home, anyway. More experienced people are more likely to just watch, then grab the ones they've picked out visually. If you have two left at home I'd get two more, so none are ever alone, and all have a sort of sister.

Anyway, that's what I would do.