General Questions:
How can I reach out if I have a question?
We’re here to help! Just email us at support@purelypoultry.com, and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
Where’s your business based?
Purely Poultry Limited is entirely online—no physical store here! We ship your order straight to your local post office for pickup.
Do you have a catalog I can browse?
Our entire catalog is online for easy browsing.
Are the birds NPIP Certified?
Yes, all breeders for Purely Poultry are NPIP certified, ensuring they are disease-free.
Ordering:
How do I place an order, and when should I expect my chicks to arrive?
Just order online! You’ll see an estimated shipping time at checkout. For day-old chicks, you can select your preferred ship date, and they’ll typically arrive within 1-3 days after.
Can I update my order once it’s submitted?
Yes, you can add to your order or update shipping info up to 5 days before the hatch date. Note that partial cancellations aren’t available.
When’s the best time to place my order for chicks?
Once you’ve made up your mind, go ahead and reserve your order. Some breeds sell out quickly!
How early should I plan to order?
Most folks order in winter or early spring, but we’re open for orders for the entire hatch season based on availability.
What’s the minimum number of chicks I can order?
We can ship as few as three chicks in total.
Why do I need to order a certain number of each breed?
Many products have minimum order requirements for the best shipping experience.
What’s this small order fee about?
Our small order fee covers the extra packing time and materials, like heat packs and straw pads. It only applies to orders with 14 or fewer chicks, so ordering 15 or more helps you avoid the fee.
When will my payment be processed?
Payments are processed when you place your order.
Can I mail in my order?
Orders can only be placed through our website.
Is it possible to cancel my order?
If your ship date is more than 10 days away, yes! After that, we rely on your commitment to care for the birds.
Shipping:
How are chicks shipped to me?
We use USPS Priority Live Mail, and your order will be held at your local post office for pickup. They’ll call you at the number you provided at checkout.
How long does shipping usually take?
About 90% of chicks arrive two days after shipping. The remaining 10% may arrive the next day or on the third day.
How much is shipping?
Shipping costs vary, and you’ll get an exact quote at checkout. For day-old poultry, it’s $25 plus $0.30 per chick.
Is there a separate shipping fee?
Yes, shipping fees vary depending on the product.
Which areas do you ship to?
We ship to the contiguous U.S.—that’s the 48 connected states.
Do you offer international shipping?
Sorry, we only ship within the 48 states.
Will my chicks arrive directly at my door?
No, they’ll be held at your local post office for pickup.
When will I get tracking info for my order?
We’ll send tracking information by the evening of the hatch date or the next morning.
What if my tracking shows a later delivery date?
Not to worry—USPS tracking isn’t always up-to-the-minute, and it’s common to see an estimated delivery date a few days later than actual arrival.
What happens if my Post Office is closed on Saturday?
Most post office lobbies are closed, but someone is usually available to process shipments. It’s a good idea to check before placing your order.
Can the Post Office bring my chicks directly to my house?
No, postal policy requires that they hold live poultry for pickup.
Do you allow local pickups?
Since we’re fully online, we don’t offer local pickup.
How do chicks handle the trip?
They’re prepared! Chicks absorb their yolk sac right before hatching, which provides them with nutrition for up to 72 hours. We also pack them with GroGel and chick starter for extra support. Our Purely Poultry Promise guarantees 100% live arrival.
What happens if any chicks are lost during shipping?
Please contact us within 8 hours of pickup via email, and we’ll make it right.
Do you guarantee that all chicks will arrive safely?
Yes, 100%! Check out our Purely Poultry Promise for details.
Will I know the exact hatch and ship date for my chicks?
Absolutely. We aim to meet the ship date, but nature does play a part in our timing.
Is the hatch date the same as the ship date?
Yes, it is.
Can I rely on the tracking information?
It’s best to rely on your post office call when they arrive. Tracking info can be inconsistent as USPS prioritizes moving live shipments over updates.
Poultry Care and Management:
What should I do to help my chicks settle in when they arrive?
Following our care instructions exactly is the best way to ensure they settle in comfortably.
What steps should I take if my chicks seem a bit weak?
Try adding 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’ to each quart of water for the next 3-5 days. For any extra boost, crumble boiled egg yolk over their feed—just be sure to remove leftovers after an hour.
How do I properly care for my birds?
Check out our complete care guide!
Do I need a permit to keep poultry?
Please check your local regulations.
How many roosters should I have for my flock of hens?
A ratio of 10 hens per rooster is ideal.
Is a rooster necessary for my hens to lay eggs?
Nope! Hens lay eggs just fine without a rooster.
How much room should I provide in their brooder?
Allow about ½ square foot per chick for the first four weeks.
How much room should I provide in their coop?
Standard breeds need about 4 square feet of space per bird in the coop and 8 square feet each in an outdoor run.
Do chicks need a roosting pole?
Not as chicks, but adult birds should have one. Some people add roosts in brooders for extra enrichment.
Can I keep different bird species together?
Yes, but it depends. Most large fowl can brood together. Smaller breeds like bantams or waterfowl should be separated for their own comfort.
What’s the best feed for my young chicks?
Start them on a starter feed. Your local feed store can help with recommendations.
Is it safe for me to handle my birds?
Yes, just wash your hands afterward.
Poultry Information:
Can you explain Marek’s Disease, and do you vaccinate for it?
Marek’s Disease is a viral infection that can be serious for flocks. We offer a Marek’s vaccination as an optional add-on at checkout for baby chickens, except for Cornish Broilers.
When will my hens start laying eggs?
Hens usually start around 18-22 weeks, but some breeds might take up to 6-8 months.
What do the terms straight run, pullet, hen, cockerel, and rooster mean?
Here’s the rundown:
– Straight Run: Chicks are unsexed, with genders totally random.
– Pullets: Female chicks that haven’t matured yet.
– Cockerels: Young male chickens.
– Roosters: Adult males.
– Hens: Adult females.
What’s the difference between standard (large) and bantam chickens?
Bantams are mini versions of standard chickens, usually weighing less than two pounds.
What does “class” mean when it comes to poultry?
A class is simply a group of breeds categorized together.
Will blue-colored birds breed true?
Not always! Blue coloring comes from a mix of genes, so offspring will vary.
Are the birds I buy from you suitable for exhibition?
We strive for quality that aligns with show standards, though not every chick will meet exhibition criteria. Exhibitors generally order multiple birds to select the best for showing.
What should I do if I ordered females but ended up with a rooster?
Have a rehoming plan in mind, as sexing isn’t 100% accurate.
What are my options if I get a rooster unexpectedly?
Rehoming or processing are your options. If your order doesn’t meet our 90% sexing guarantee, send photos, and we’ll be glad to help with a credit.