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

[Ridgerunner]

The vast majority of the time the chicks arrive alive and healthy. if one dies it is usually because there was something wrong with that chick to start with. But humans are involved with shipping or weather can cause unavoidable delays. As with anything else, occasionally bad things happen.

These chicks were shipped by a private breeder, not a hatchery that does this for a living. I don't know if that breeder followed all postal regulations about packaging and marking or not. The tracking did not update as it should have, that happens all of the time with my orders for other things as well. The post office did not call when they should have, I don't know how much that delayed it. There were delays. Things went wrong with your order, I'm really sorry about that.

I understand if the first strawberry you eat is bad and makes you sick that you may never want to eat another strawberry. I'd consider that a normal reaction. But I would not expect the rest of the world to immediately stop eating strawberries because you had a bad one.

 

[Miss_Lavransdatter]

Oh for sure, I don't at all expect people to stop shipping birds and I definitely don't think all experiences of it are like mine. But I do think it's true that it's probably not good for them and it's worth considering local options. But to each his own

 

[TexasBlues]

It’s definitely not good for the chicks. Good for you to come to that conclusion. I’m not very popular on here for the times I’ve mentioned that it is cruel to ship chicks. It seems like a dirty little secret around here that chicks die in the mail or fail to survive afterwards.

 

[TexasTurkeyMama]

It’s definitely not good for the chicks. Good for you to come to that conclusion. I’m not very popular on here for the times I’ve mentioned that it is cruel to ship chicks. It seems like a dirty little secret around here that chicks die in the mail or fail to survive afterwards.

What is your alternative to mailing day-old chicks?

 

[TexasBlues]

What is your alternative to mailing day-old chicks?

Short answer: I started by finding quality hatching eggs and an inexpensive incubator on Craigslist. Now I hatch my own eggs.

Long answer:
1. Local Hatcheries and Farms:

• Direct Purchase: Many local hatcheries and farms offer chicks for sale. This allows for personal inspection and immediate care, reducing stress on the birds.
• Pickup: Avoid shipping altogether by picking up the chicks directly from the hatchery or farm.

2. Adult Chickens:

• Established Flocks: Consider purchasing adult chickens from local sources or online marketplaces. These birds are often already acclimated and ready to lay eggs.
• Rescue Organizations: Support local animal shelters or rescues that may have adult chickens available for adoption.
  
  
  

3. Hatching Your Own Eggs:

• Incubators: If you have access to fertile eggs, you can hatch them yourself using an incubator. This provides a controlled environment and allows for close observation of the hatching process.
  
  
  
  

4. Online Communities and Forums:

• Local Listings: Many online communities and forums have sections dedicated to poultry. You can often find people in your area who are selling or giving away chicks or adult chickens.

Key Considerations:

• Health and Well-being: Ensure that any chickens you acquire are healthy and have been properly cared for.
• Ethical Sourcing: Prioritize reputable sources that prioritize the welfare of the birds.

By exploring these alternatives, you can support local businesses, reduce the stress on the birds, and potentially save money on shipping costs.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Honestly, I rarely noticed health differences between my mail chicks and my home hatched chicks, even before my flock was sick. If anything, my home chicks were more likely to be lost, though not by a large amount

 

[MROO]

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.

Thanks to a similar experience, I don't ship anymore, either. If you're looking for a particular kind of chicken, contact the breed club. They can usually find you a breeder within driving distance. You can also go to your local 4H shows and talk to the judges (after the show!) They have contacts all over the place and can sometimes hook you up with a small breeder outside of the bigger clubs. Another option is to talk to your local elementary school. Many still do hatching eggs in the Spring ... and the chicks often need a home, afterwards. I got two of my best hens that way. I called them my Kindergarten Dropouts!

 

[McChooky]

I bought some from a drop seller once who was so late notifying me the chicks were shipped I'd already received them. They're actually out of business now