I can’t imagine how hard that must be. I’m very new to chickens, so can’t offer any advice. I wish things had gone better for you. Losing my one pullet who got to live to 9 months old has been so tragic to me, but the loss of so many little ones seems unbearable. My prayers are still with you.
I’m so sorry you’ve lost twelve chicks, that’s heartbreaking.
Yes, I can see how either of those factors would change things. I’m not sure if any of the other hatcheries are better at shipping large amounts of birds, but Cackle and McMurray have higher minimum orders, so I would hope they know...
I’m also in Middle TN. I ordered 4 chicks from Meyer last year with a hatch date in mid June. I had a great experience, all of my chicks arrived healthy within 24 hours of shipment. I called our post office in advance to let them know to call me as soon as they arrived, which they did. We live...