| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Apr 03 2008 : 11:57:55 AM
I ordered chicks from Ideal Hatchery. I have never ordered chicks before. I always bought them local from a feed mill but wanted something different this time. I ordered Buckeyes, Barnvelders, Changecleres, Speckled Sussex and Salmon Favorelles.
The hatcherey is in Texas and they were shipped Wednsday 4-2 and I thought they would be here today. They say now to expect them Friday!!! How can they live that long.... thats 3 days without anything? I wished I had not ordered them now because I don't want them to arrive dead. I feel guilty that I am putting them through this.
Have any of you ladies ever order from that far away and did they live from such a long endevor ? All I can do is pray when they call me tomorrow that they will be okay. I have been stressing out all day. All I can do is think about them and wonder where they are and if they are okay.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Annab |
Posted - Apr 09 2008 : 03:25:15 AM
I firmly agree about the tracking number.
Wonder why they don't use one?
I'd have been livid too
We now have 55 chickens of various ages. The youngest are doing very well. Half were graduated to a larger coop outside. The silkies are still in an out building where I can continue to get my hands on them. IDEAL had partridge silkies this year which are very pretty, and I also ordered 3 Milli Feur or whoever you spell it. The millies are so calm. Their feathers are soft but not puffy |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Apr 08 2008 : 06:49:48 AM
It finally happened. April finally had her babies !!! I thought she had 2 because that is what she always has.After helping the second boy out I got a bonus and it was a girl !!! She practically rifled out ! They are all very good size for trips. Last year I had 5 sets of trips. This year I only had 1 set of trips and 1 set of quads. I have 14 babies total on the ground. More than I need...8 boys and 6 girls. But at least kidding is done for the year. I am tuckered out as much as they are. What took 1 hour to do chore wise is now taking 2 1/2 hours twice a day. I am supplementing the quads with bottles and will start with the trips too.
Chicks are still doing fantastic. I love the ones that look like chickmunks....I think the Barnvelders and Welsummers are the ones that look that way from the discription on My Pet Chicken Website. Its cool to get something different for a change. Still love my old standbys....they have been good girls.
Well gonna go and feed myself now. Going to have poached eggs and homemade cardamon bread. I'm am starving.Take care.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| mrsmorgen |
Posted - Apr 07 2008 : 05:47:12 AM
Oh i am so glad th chicks are ok! I would have run to get them too. I am so sad about the other half that didnt make it! Mine are shipping today and I am so worried about them. poor little things. Welsummers is a beautiful name, I have to go look them up!
morgen
I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all..
laura ingalls wilder |
| marmieto12 |
Posted - Apr 07 2008 : 05:43:58 AM
I am sorry your experience was bad. Hopefully, the chicks will be strong and you will get all of the birds you have ordered.
We have ordered meat birds every year and egg layers every other and they all survived. The hatchery generally puts in a couple extra too.
We have used most of the hatcheries mentioned and they are shipped on Tuesday and arrive 5a on Thursday.
I did have a scare one year, we ordered from 2 different hatcheries and expected the 5a call. No call until 10a with only one box. It was not until late in the afternoon I received another call for my other shipment.
There was a year no hatchery would ship because of the scare of the bird virus'. So, they have changed who can be a carrier (airlines).
We used our incubator for awhile and at night we would stick some new chicks under a hen. We have only had one hen who stayed on her eggs long enough to hatch out a clutch.
Laura;Dreaming of big girl farm...
Farmgirl # 148
http://lilsfamilyfarm.blogspot.com
Chapter http://justsimplythegirls.blogspot.com |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Apr 07 2008 : 05:19:45 AM
Anna I knew about Mt. Healthy hatchery they are just 2 hours away from me. But thanks for the info tho ! Our local feed dealers usually carry them. They just didn't have the breeds I was looking for. I think I have about all the breeds they carry on my farm.
I know Ideal is not responsible for the crushed box..believe me I know that someone through the postal service was careless. I just wished Ideal would put a tracking number on their chick shipments so they could be tracked. That was my complaint with them otherwise they were super nice when I called them .When i called Ideal they shipped when they said they were going to its just the post office missed putting them on the truck. If I hadn't called the post office and insisted they check in KY. They would have sat another day.But it worked out and I have a few more grey hairs !!! Part of the job of loving animals I guess.
My chicks are doing super now. Glad to have them. I already have 22 chickens total from over the years. Some of them are 10 years old and some are just 2. They are good girls and I am slowly losing the older ones little by little.I never new some breeds of chickens could get to be so old.
I wanted some really different chickens than I am use to having.
I ordered Barnvelders,Salmon Favorelles, Partridge Chantecleres,Speckled Sussux, Buckeys (had to have those since I live in Ohio) and Welsummers. They all looked like intersting breeds and all lay brown eggs. I read the Buckeye breed was developed in Ohio around 1936 by a lady just for Ohio. I thought that was kinds neat. I can't wait to see what these chickens look like once they grow up.
Well I'm off to the barn to feed my nubies.....and April has still not had her babies. This makes day 4 she is over. More grey hairs coming.....lol
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| Annab |
Posted - Apr 07 2008 : 03:31:55 AM
I have used IDEAL for 3 shipments now and only had a slight problem just this year.
The reason I choos this company is because they can ship to fit my schedule.
I had planned to pick up my chicks on a Tuesday, but same as you Jenn, they didn't arrive 'till that Thursday. They wern't lost though thankfully, just shipped out a day later than expected.
I felt like a fool when I had to go to the post office and ask.
I wouldn't blame IDEAL for the crushed box. That's the shippers fault.
Did you know there is a hatchery in Ohio? It's called Mt. Healthy Hatchery It's MUCH closer than IDEAL in Texas but they might not have had the breeds you wanted.
Relieved to know your biddies are ok
I know the panic you felt! |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Apr 06 2008 : 07:42:16 AM
Goodness, what a vigil you've been on. They must be very resilient little birds, I'm glad you rescued them.And baby goats to tend to as well, I hope you'll post some pictures if you get a chance. I love to look at all these sweet farm animals. We just have a small army of cats at my house. I haven't even seen a robin yet, so i enjoy reading about all these spring arrivals. Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com |
| corporatefarmgirl |
Posted - Apr 06 2008 : 05:12:05 AM
Oh Jennifer I am so happy you got your chicks ok. Even though I have been lucky to get all my chicks, each time, I worry.
GOOD LUCK with the little babies..
small farms give big benefits |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 05 2008 : 8:02:55 PM
I have ordered from MacMurray in Iowa for years...when I lived in CAlif, Idaho and here..and never had any problem at all. Our local postmaster is a friend and last chicks I got ..last year...he called on Sunday night for us to pick them up. I am not planning to order any this year. I am going to let a couple of my very broody old hens hatch some chicks for replacement hens (not that the old ones are leaving...just retiring slowly as they age) and not doing meat chickens this year...special request from my husband. I may get ducks though...hehee don't tell him!
I am glad your chicks showed up and you were able to go get them..I would have too!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Apr 05 2008 : 7:16:52 PM
sorry to hear about the chicks Jennifer. Half is terrible !! The hatchery saying they can make it 4 days is expecting way to much for newborn chicks. Three days is pushing it. Glad the ones you have are doing good.
Today I no longer see weakness in the chicks.......they are look super perky ! I am so glad they are all okay.
April still has not gone into labor..she was due the fourth. I hope it is soon. I don't like to see them go over much because the babies start to get to big. But she is showing signs.......she is starting to drop and bag up. I will have the monitor on full blast to keep abreast.
Hope your chicks continue to thrive Jennifer. Many people I know have had problems with chicks being shipped this year. Makes one wonder whats going on or does this always happen???
take care.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Apr 05 2008 : 4:29:47 PM
well, the chicks finally arrived at the feed store yesterday afternoon. The post office distribution center had sent them to the wrong place. I picked them up this morning. The clerk said they lost about half the chicks. Since mine was a tacked on order I was able to get some of the breeds I ordered. The Welsummers will be ordered in a few weeks. I don't really like being at the mercy of someone else, but I also don't need 25 chicks and that's the minimum order.
losing chicks is so strange because my friend, in the next town over, orders 25 to 50 meat chicks every other week and she has never had any trouble.
well, they are all bedded down in their brooder, warm, fat and happy.
Linda good luck with your doe. |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 6:37:07 PM
Jennifer
Your babies have not arrived yet. OMG thats terrible. Please let us know if and when they come. I hope they are right and that they will be okay. Hope you fair as well as I did. I feel lucky that I was able to get mine when I did. I just hope your call comes tomorrow morning.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 6:29:32 PM
Yeah I was suprised about the tracking too. I mean they are live babies. I figured tracking would be a priority. Learn something new everyday. When I ordered a grain mill I was able to track its every step but not the chicks. Glad I went and got them. I feel about 100 percent better. I thought I was going to lose my mind. Thats the last time I do that unless they start putting tracking numbers on them. Maybe some of the other hatcheries do. I will have to check that out. But am content to have these little cuties.
Anyway they are doing so much better now. They are eating and drinking and running around.The 3 little ones that look like chipmunks are still a little weak but at least they stand up without staggering anymore and are eating and drinking well. Before I came to back to type and update they were all laying under the heat lamp sleeping and making little trilling noises. God love em anyhow. Thanks for all the support. You ladies are great !!
Signing off for the nite...have quad baby Nubian kids to bottle and check to see how April my doe is doing. Her kidding date was today. I'm off to the barn.Take care.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| PlumCreekMama |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 5:03:14 PM
I can't believe the post office was so stupid about it. My post offices around here are awesome. When I ordered from McMurray's I got them the same day, even though it was Sunday, and Easter at that. All I had to do was drive about a half an hour to pick them up. When I ordered from Welp, I got them the next day and my postman brought them up to the house. It's not like the postal workers don't know what's in the box-you'd think a normal person would be careful and consciencous when there are live animals concerned. That just irks me! Anyway, I'm glad you finally got them and they will probably be alright.
http://plumcreekmama.blogspot.com/ |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 4:48:15 PM
Good for you Linda. I would have done the same thing.
Hopefully, with a warm place and food and water in their tummies they will all be churp'ng around by morning. |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 3:44:20 PM
so glad your babies arrived. hope they all thrive now.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
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and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 3:41:56 PM
I am so glad that they arrived safe and sound! I would have gone and fetched them myself too! Poor baby chicks!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Farmtopia |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 3:30:45 PM
Wow, I'm just coming back to the post..I'm surprised to learn that the company won't track them...that seems kind of callous...yes, I know it's a BUSINESS, but you're sending LIVE BEINGS through the mail...wow, that's a shame, but I'm glad they're alright, I'm sure because of your efforts!
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
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| junkjunkie |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 2:14:16 PM
Oh Linda...I read your story earlier and I kept thinking about your chicks today! lol...With the box crushed, I'm glad you finally got them today, and not waited another day. They're in good hands now!
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
| AmyEllen |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 10:42:11 AM
I am glad your little ones showed up!! I would have been frantic as well. Poor little things.
Amy
My Blog
http://lifenkansas.blogspot.com/
Amore Schnauzers
http://amoreschnauzers.blogspot.com/ |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 10:39:26 AM
well I can't believe how isane of a day this has been. The post office deliveries are done for the day. I know the chicks have no tracking number because Ideal and many companies just don't do this. They keep telling me they will be fine another day. I don't believe them.....but thats just me.
I called the post office and ask them where their truck comes from that bring them the mail. I want to talk to that post office to check and see if it were possible they got missed somehow. They gave me the number for the one in Maysville KY. I called them and they said they had the chicks and somehow they missed getting shipped. So on that note I took off and went and picked them up........about 35 minutes for me. I am not to far from the KY border. They told me they would ship them to my post office tomorrow but I said no way......I will be there with bells on.I felt like it took forever to get there and get home.
Some of the chicks acted kinda weak. There box lid was caved in with big gaps on the sides. Looks like someone sit something heavy on it. I can't believe they made it in that condition. But I dipped their beaks in warm vit,antbiotic,electrolyte water and they seem to be perking up. I have 3 of one breed that are on the small side that seem to be having a little trouble. But its only been an hour since I got them so I have to give them time to see a turn around.But they did eat and drink !
I am so relieved to have them.....all 26 of them ! I am enjoying them already. Some of them look like chipmunks the way they are marked.
Thanks for all the support and help it is greatly appreciated. I just had never done this before and then when they didn't show up I feared the worst. I am glad that part is over. Now just waiting for April to kid. Hope its tomorrow and not tonight. Its suppose to finally stop raining and be sunny tomorrow.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 10:04:14 AM
Linda,
I had the same thing happen except mine were being delivered to a local feed store. They shipped on 4/1 and as of last night had not arrived. The hatchery thought they should arrive today, but actually didn't know where they were. The hatchery said they would be fine for 4 days without food and water, but you may want to get some poultry vitamines and electrolytes for their water just to give them a good start when they arrive. Plus, most hatcheries guaruntee live delivery so if you have some that are dead or die after arrival let them know and they should send replacements.
It's so sad to think a box of day old chick's is sitting somewhere with no one to care for them. |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 07:05:49 AM
hopefully they will show up by this afternoon. I'd definitely ask the post office if they expect another mail delivery today coming in. poor babies.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
| corporatefarmgirl |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 07:02:19 AM
We have ordered our chicks throught the mail for the last couple of years. They have always arrived healthy. As a matter of fact we have not lost a chick yet!
Its ok mama.... The babes should be fine. Just take good care of them when they get there.
small farms give big benefits |
| mima |
Posted - Apr 04 2008 : 06:48:32 AM
Oh I'm sorry! Glad you said something! I was trippin that chicks came in the mail! poor little things! Hope they are alright!!!!
"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." Helen Keller |
