Brooding Tips and Shipping Information

OUR GUARANTEE

All stock may be purchased with full confidence that they are as represented in this literature. Extra chicks in the order are to offset losses incurred in shipping. We must be notified within 24 hours of receiving your shipment of any death losses and/or stressed chicks so that assistance or advice may be offered to limit mortality. A live count is required when we are notified. If replacement chicks are offered, they will be FOB Oceola, Ohio.

 24 hours before the chicks arrive be sure to:

* Have your brooder area bedded:  we recommend pine shavings

Never use hardwood shavings – these can be fatal for the chicks

* Have your heat regulated to 95 degrees at chick height

(Start with Red Heat lamps 18 inches above floor & adjust as needed)

* Fill water jugs with fresh water.  (Dark Molasses, 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, should be added to water for a few days while the chicks are adjusting to their new home, especially if chicks are more than 24 hours in the mail) Vitamins and Electrolytes may follow after the initial start on Molasses. 

* Have fresh starter feed in feeders and feed lids (Be sure to get the right starter for the type of bird you are brooding)

* Have the brooder area free from drafts (ring the chicks in a smaller area with brooder guard to keep them close to heat, food and water!

When the chicks arrive:

* Dip the beaks in water as you place the chicks in the brooding area, slow starting chicks may need additional dips to start 

* Check the chicks often to check for their comfort

* Be aware …

    * * How they sound – noisy chicks are cold

    * * How they look – huddled chicks are cold, evenly spread out

         chicks are comfortable

    * * How they smell – ammonia is bad for the chicks eyes and

          lungs, the brooding area should smell fresh   .

 Important Notice for Shipping:

Due to changes in the Postal Service, we are no longer able to guarantee live delivery. Shipping chicks is at the request and risk of the customer. While we realize that pick up at the hatchery may not be an option, we do encourage this whenever possible. We must be notified within 24 hours of receiving your shipment of any death losses and/or stressed chicks. Notification must be through a phone call, voice message, or letter postmarked within 24 hours of receiving your shipment.  

Calculation for Shipping

Postage is now determined by dimension and weight. When calculating postage due, please note the following before using the shipping chart.

Chicks, bantams, mallards, call ducks

Pheasants, and guineas each count as 1 bird

Turkeys and large breed ducks count as 2 birds

Goslings each count as 3 birds

Examples: 25 chicks and 12 pekin ducks = 49 birds

75 chicks and 25 turkeys = 125 birds

100 chicks = 100 birds