When Mail Order Chicks Go Wrong

“I have spent the last week trying not to die from excitement here… and with a heaping dash of anxiety as well. (I’m actually starting this blog while mrgillis goes to the post office to pick up our girls, that’s how anxious I am – I am kinda having gut bubbles at the idea that they don’t arrive safe so bare with me) We’ve NEVER ordered chicks thru the mail before and of course, the horror stories online will keep you awake for days. Sometimes its just better to stay away from review sites.

We’ve had the brooder set up for a couple days in the spare room- Originally we were going to use our bedroom closet, but decided, probably not the best idea. The lamp is held in place to keep a good portion at 90ish degrees. They have electrolyte water and chick starter with chick grit in two separate locations.”

The was the start of a much different blog. The blog was supposed to be about bringing home our newest generation of laying hens.

My hubby started the truck at about 7:15 this morning, so the cab would be nice and toasty for their one mile trip home. He left at quarter to 8, just to make sure he could get them just as soon as possible, as they’ve been in the mail since wednesday night… This being saturday morning. They say chicks are pretty good for the first 72 hours of their life, but I was still nervous/giddy/straightupscareds.

No lie, I had been a wreck since the night before. I was beginning to wonder if mail order chicks were worth the stress. My hubby offered to drive to Hampden’s postal facility two hours away to pick them up last night, because I’m such a stressball. Ultimately we decided to stay home and let it be whatever it may be.

Ultimately, it was a decision we regretted.

We will never know what could have been, because when the chicks arrived, they had all frozen to death en route.

Of course, my wonderful husband took care of it. He took care of those poor little souls that knew nothing but suffering.

As of now, I’ve emailed the company to let them know the box was a total loss. I have not yet decided what to do as far as trying again vs. getting a refund. Of course, mrgillis says its up to me.

For right now, I’m going to find some solace in hot coffee, our wonderful homestead and everything else that I have going on that is awesome.

Until next time, have a wicked good day.