Bringing home baby chicks is an exciting adventure — and if you’re new to it, get ready for a joyful (and slightly noisy) experience! 🐤 This guide walks you through exactly what to expect when ordering baby chicks online from My Pet Chicken, how they’re shipped safely through the mail, and what to do the moment your new feathered friends arrive.
📦 The Ordering Process
When you order baby chicks from My Pet Chicken, you can choose from dozens of unique breeds — each with its own personality, egg color, and charm. Minimum order sizes vary by season to ensure chicks stay warm during shipment:
- Warm months (April–November): Minimum order is 3 chicks — perfect for small backyard flocks.
- Cold months (December–March): Minimum increases to 8 chicks to help them stay warm in transit.
Pro tip: Order early in the week to avoid weekend shipping delays and ensure your chicks arrive safely and quickly.
✈️ Shipping and Arrival
Your chicks are shipped through USPS and typically arrive within 1–2 days of hatching. Here’s how it works:
- Shipping methods: Orders of 15+ chicks ship via USPS Priority Mail; smaller orders use USPS Express Mail for faster delivery.
- One-day-old chicks: Chicks ship when they’re just one day old. Don’t worry — they can safely go up to 72 hours without food or water, thanks to nutrients absorbed from their yolk sacs.
It’s a remarkably efficient system that has helped hatcheries safely deliver chicks to homes for decades. Still, preparation is key once that call from your post office comes in.
📞 What to Do When Your Chicks Arrive
🚗 1. Pickup
Your local post office will notify you when your chicks arrive. Pick them up as soon as possible — it’s best not to let them sit in a cold mailroom for long.
📦 2. Inspection
Carefully open the box in a quiet space and inspect the chicks. It’s wise not to open it in front of young children, as shipping can occasionally result in losses. Though rare, it’s a natural risk of transporting live animals — and My Pet Chicken guarantees live arrival if any issues occur.
🔥 3. Immediate Care
Once home, place the chicks into a pre-warmed brooder at around 95°F. Provide:
- Fresh water with vitamins and electrolytes
- Starter feed specifically for chicks
- Paper towels or fine bedding for traction
Chicks will quickly start exploring, chirping, and eating — all signs they’re adjusting well.
🚨 Possible Issues (and How to Handle Them)
🐥 Weak or Lost Chicks
Occasionally, a chick may arrive weak or not survive shipping. While upsetting, it’s relatively rare, and My Pet Chicken offers a live arrival guarantee. Reach out to their support team with your order details for quick resolution.
🩺 Health Checks
Monitor your chicks closely for the first 3–5 days. Healthy chicks are active and vocal. If you notice lethargy or unusual quietness, check temperature, hydration, and feed access immediately.
💛 The Joys of Raising Baby Chicks
Raising chicks is one of the most rewarding parts of backyard chicken keeping. You’ll watch them grow, develop personalities, and eventually become part of your flock family. It takes a little patience and a lot of love — but the payoff is unmatched.
Make sure your setup includes a Smart Coop for their future home. With built-in insulation, cameras, and automatic doors, it’s the perfect upgrade when they’re ready to move outside.
📝 Tips for First-Time Owners
- Prepare ahead: Have your brooder, heat source, and supplies ready before the chicks arrive. Check out our New Chick Supplies Checklist for a full rundown.
- Check frequently: Ensure they’re warm, fed, and hydrated throughout the day.
- Keep learning: Explore My Pet Chicken’s guides and resources for expert advice.
- Join the community: Connect with fellow flock owners in our Chick Chat Club for Newbies for real-time help and encouragement.
✨ Final Thoughts
Ordering baby chicks through the mail might sound surprising at first — but it’s a time-tested, safe, and joyful way to start your backyard flock. With a little preparation and care, you’ll be raising a happy, healthy flock in no time.
Happy chick-keeping! 🐣
