Chicks lost in the mail - is there any chance they're still alive?

[MROO]

I have a feeling whoever was expecting those chicks would not have a problem with it when they came to pick them up.
I hear you, but I just couldn't.

My post office let me into storage after hours (I missed the delivery) when I told them I had live shrimp in there and that they would freeze. That is illegal too, but as soon as they heard they were live creatures it was ok.

I was the one expecting them ... and I had more of a problem with the "Do Not Open" policy than I would EVER have had with someone checking on them!
When the "free replacements" came, they were also delayed, but only by three days in milder weather. I met the truck at the Post Office and opened the box right away - right in front of the service desk. They were stressed, but alive - two just barely. Every single chick got a dose of electrolytes and a thorough inspection, right in the middle of the service lobby.
They all survived that time, but I will NEVER mail-order live chicks again. If I can't get hatching eggs or pick up the peeps in person, I'll do without!

 

[Kiki]

Just wanted to post a quick (and happy!) update! The tracking updated this morning, which I didn't notice until noon (the post office did not call as they'd promised to, but oh well). We went to go pick them up fully prepared for 15 dead birds, but were greeted with loud peeping! Only 2 arrived dead and 3 died shortly after bringing them home, so I now have 10 chicks! Which is 10 more than I thought I'd have yesterday. Thanks so much everyone for the sympathy

We need pictures of them!

 

[Farmgirl283420]

We need pictures of them!

Yes!

 

[Crazy_Book_Lady]

My three survivors enjoying the dirt I plunked in their brooder! I believe I have 2 roos and 1 hen.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

My three survivors enjoying the dirt I plunked in their brooder! I believe I have 2 roos and 1 hen.

Awww they are super cute! They look like they like the grass!

 

[PimsGarden]

Just wanted to post a quick (and happy!) update! The tracking updated this morning, which I didn't notice until noon (the post office did not call as they'd promised to, but oh well). We went to go pick them up fully prepared for 15 dead birds, but were greeted with loud peeping! Only 2 arrived dead and 3 died shortly after bringing them home, so I now have 10 chicks! Which is 10 more than I thought I'd have yesterday. Thanks so much everyone for the sympathy

How many days were they in the mail, that's amazing!

 

[Crazy_Book_Lady]

How many days were they in the mail, that's amazing!

They were in the mail three whole days, and were shipped the day after they were born. Sadly, even though ten arrived alive, only 3 survived the first day.

 

[PimsGarden]

They were in the mail three whole days, and were shipped the day after they were born. Sadly, even though ten arrived alive, only 3 survived the first day.

Good to know, I'm glad a few made it. Bright side, you're left with three tough birds!

 

[Kimmyh51]

This is why I think shipping live birds in the mail should simply not be done. I get that maybe you cant get them locally, but its just not fair on the babies..

 

[Crazy_Book_Lady]

This is why I think shipping live birds in the mail should simply not be done. I get that maybe you cant get them locally, but its just not fair on the babies..

Especially after this experience, I feel like that too. Besides, wouldn't it be nice to get birds locally and know they do well in your climate, have someone who knows them well to guide you, and be able to source more nearby? There's a lot of benefits to raising the same breed as your neighbors, and a lot of hard things about shipping live animals I didn't really consider before because it seemed like everyone did it.