Mail Order Chickens

We laced up our shoes and zipped our jackets up to head out. There was so much excitement and chatter between the girls that buckling in took much longer than it should have, but alas the car shifted into gear and we headed off down the road. These chicken mamas were off to pick up their new flock. As we pulled up to the post office and strolled inside the girls shared the exciting news with everyone they passed. They were met with strange looks and the question, "You're picking up chickens at the post office?"

Of course to most this would seem like a strange transaction, I mean chickens in the mail?? I get it. But for someone purchasing chickens for the first time it seemed like the best way. We weren't connected to anyone raising and hatching chicks and after hearing stories of less than healthy chicks from stores that wasn't a route I was too comfortable with. Health is of utmost importance as these birds are a food source for us. We want to make sure the chicks are from healthy, non-medicated birds. We also wanted to be able to pick a specific breed and only pullets and if we sought out someone hatching backyard chickens we would be limited in what we could get. Our attention shifted to hatcheries and we decided it would be the best decision for us. We researched and found a reputable hatchery and read about all the breeds of birds they offered, their decision not to medicate and the ability to order chicks at different times and our decision was solidified. The only thing with this hatchery was it was too far to drive which meant our chicks would be arriving via the US Postal Service.

I'll admit that this seemed quite strange to me. Who in their right mind puts freshly hatched chicks into a box and onto a truck to drive them all about? Turns out it's not that strange, or uncommon. It isn't much different than if we would have gone to pick them up and put them in our own car to drive home. The chicks hang out in their box all snuggled together and seem quite fine upon arrival. A quick dip into a water dish and they are eating, drinking, sleeping and growing just as any other baby would be!

We raised our first flock last year that consisted of three different breeds and we were not disappointed. We had healthy, laying chickens that were quite entertaining to have around. Our plan was to continue to add a few birds to our flock each year so we would have a rotation of layers and a few birds in the freezer. It seemed that the mail order would continue to be a good method for us as it provides healthy birds of breeds of our choosing that we order whenever we see fit.

Unfortunately our first flock met an unlucky fate (RIP ladies) but we are starting with our second flock a little wiser in the ways of raising chickens. Our second flock is busy growing, spending their days under the heat of a lamp and being fussed over by their chicken mamas (AKA my girls.) At some point we may seek out someone local to purchase a chick or two from. We may even get really brave and decide to hatch a few chicks of our own, but for now we are liking our mail order chicks.

If you want to check out the hatchery we order from you can find them here. If you want to read more about our experiences with chickens you can read about it here.