Why Live Animal Shipping Costs More
At Chesapeake Hatchery, we know that receiving healthy, thriving chicks starts long before they arrive at your door. Every order is packed with care and shipped with your flock's wellbeing in mind.
Why Live Animal Shipping Costs More
Shipping live chicks safely isn't like shipping a package — it requires specialized materials, expedited service, and careful preparation that standard shipping simply can't provide. Here's what's factored into your shipping cost:
- USPS Priority Mail Express — the only USPS service approved for live poultry, and the fastest available to minimize time in transit
- USPS-approved live animal boxes — purpose-built for ventilation, insulation, and safe transport
- Gro-Gel, starter feed mash, and electrolytes — included in every box to nourish and hydrate your chicks on arrival
- Bedding — to keep chicks secure and comfortable throughout the journey
- Heat packs — selected based on your location, route temperatures, and travel time
- Care card — so you're fully prepared the moment your box arrives
We don't pad our shipping costs — what you pay reflects exactly what it takes to get healthy chicks to your door. We believe your flock deserves nothing less.
Our Shipping Process
Day-old chicks are shipped via USPS Priority Mail Express — the fastest available service — to minimize time in transit. We ship every Tuesday, carefully timed so your chicks reach their destination post office by Friday. Chicks are naturally sustained by their yolk sac for the first 48–72 hours of life, making this window ideal for safe shipping.
USPS-Approved Live Animal Packaging
We ship exclusively in USPS-approved boxes designed specifically for live poultry. Every box is fully and clearly marked to indicate that live animals are inside, ensuring postal workers at every stop handle your shipment with the care and urgency it deserves. We never cut corners on packaging — your chicks' safety depends on it.
Tracking & Communication
On the afternoon of your shipment day, you'll receive a tracking number so you can follow your chicks every step of the way. No guessing, no waiting — just peace of mind.
How We Pack
Each box is carefully prepared before your chicks ever step inside. We line every box with bedding to keep chicks secure and prevent them from shifting during transit. Based on the number of chicks in your order, we include an appropriate amount of Gro-Gel to keep them hydrated, as well as a mash of starter feed so they have nourishment from the moment they arrive. We also tuck in a starter pack of electrolytes to help your new flock get off to a strong, healthy start in their new home.
Temperature & Heat Pack Monitoring
We don't guess when it comes to keeping your chicks warm. Before every shipment, we evaluate the current temperatures along your shipping route, your delivery address, and the estimated travel time to determine exactly how many heat packs your box needs. Your chicks arrive warm — not too hot, not too cold.
What's Inside Every Box
Every shipment includes:
- Gro-Gel (sized to your order quantity)
- Starter feed mash
- Electrolyte starter pack
- Bedding for a secure, comfortable ride
- A care card with arrival instructions
- Heat packs as needed based on your route and weather
Weekly Ship Days
We ship on a set weekly schedule so your chicks arrive as fresh as possible. Your shipping week is selected at checkout, and we coordinate everything around that window.
What to Do When They Arrive
Your post office will call you as soon as your box arrives — pick them up promptly! Have your brooder warmed and water ready. Dip each chick's beak in water upon arrival to help them hydrate quickly.
Questions?
Reach us at chicks@chesapeake-hatchery.com — we're happy to walk you through anything before or after your order ships.