FAQs

Orders

Is there a minimum order quantity for chicks?
Yes. Shipped orders require a minimum of 5 chicks to help maintain proper warmth during transit. Local pickup orders have no minimum since chicks are not traveling through the mail system.

Can I mix breeds to meet the minimum order?
Yes. You may mix breeds as long as all chicks are scheduled for the same hatch date.

Can I change or add to my order after placing it?
No. Once an order is submitted, it cannot be changed or added to. If modifications are needed, the order must be canceled and reordered. Canceling forfeits your original hatch date, and the new order will be scheduled based on current availability. See our Cancellations & Refunds policy for details.

What is the green gel in the shipping box?
The green gel is GroGel, a safe hydration supplement that provides moisture and energy during transit. This is normal and helps support chicks until they are placed in a brooder. Learn more on our Shipping page.

When do I pick up my chicks?
Local pickups take place on the Wednesday following your selected hatch date. You will receive an email with your pickup time, location, and details. Chicks must be picked up on that day unless arrangements are made in advance. We reserve the right to cancel orders without refund if pickup is missed. See our Local Pickup page for full details.

What is the local pickup process?
Pickup is drive-up only. For biosecurity reasons, customers must remain in their vehicles. Please have your order name and number ready, and a team member will bring your chicks to you. Visit our Local Pickup page for more information.

Do I need to bring packaging for pickup?
No. Your chicks will be professionally packaged for safe transport at the time of pickup.

Chick Care & Early Expectations

How should my chicks act when they arrive?
Chicks may be tired or quiet after arrival. A warm, prepared brooder will help them recover and settle in. Read our full guide: What to Expect After Getting Your Chicks Home.

What do chicks need immediately after arriving home?
Place chicks in a pre-warmed brooder with fresh water, chick starter feed, and a consistent heat source. Gently dipping each chick's beak in water can help them learn to drink. See our chick care guide for more tips.

How do I know if the brooder temperature is correct?
If chicks are huddled, they are too cold. If they are spread out and active, they are comfortable. If they are avoiding heat or panting, it is too hot. Adjust heat gradually based on behavior.

Is pasty butt normal?
Yes. It can occur during the first week. Check vents daily and gently clean if needed. Proper warmth and hydration help prevent it.

Chick Sexing

How are chicks sexed?
All chicks are sexed by a professional using the vent sexing method, which identifies sex at hatch based on physical characteristics.

How accurate is sexing?
Our professional sexer is accurate more than 90% of the time, but no hatchery can guarantee 100% accuracy.

What happens if a chick is incorrectly sexed?
We will refund the purchase price of the incorrectly sexed bird if reported within the proper timeframe. See our Rooster Error page for the full process.

When should I report a sexing error?
Most breeds must be reported between 14 and 22 weeks of age. Silkies must be reported between 19 and 30 weeks. Reports outside these windows cannot be accepted. Visit our Rooster Error page for details.

How do I report a sexing issue?
Please contact us with your name, email, and order number, along with clear photos if possible. You can also submit a report on our Rooster Error page.

Should I rehome a suspected rooster right away?
No. We recommend waiting until the bird's sex is clearly confirmed, as early signs can be misleading.

Vaccines & Chick Health

Do you offer vaccines?
Yes. We offer the Marek's disease vaccine as an optional add-on at the time of order.

What is Marek's disease?
Marek's is a contagious viral disease that affects young chickens and can impact the nervous system and internal organs.

Why is vaccination important?
Vaccination helps protect chicks during their most vulnerable stage, reduce losses, and support long-term flock health.

When is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is administered at the hatchery shortly after hatch.

Do you recommend heat plates?
No. Heat plates are not an approved heat source at Chesapeake Farm & Hatchery and will void all guarantees.

Live Arrival Guarantee

Do you offer a Live Arrival Guarantee?
Yes. All shipped chick orders are covered. Read our full Live Arrival Guarantee.

What does the guarantee cover?
It covers chicks that arrive deceased during transit. We will issue a refund or store credit for those chicks. Shipping charges are not refundable. See the Live Arrival Guarantee for full terms.

What if chicks die shortly after arrival?
Some chicks may not survive due to natural factors such as development or stress. This does not necessarily indicate a shipping issue.

What should I do if chicks arrive deceased?
Contact us within 24 hours of delivery and include your order number, photos, and a brief description. Email chicks@chesapeake-hatchery.com.

Does this apply to local pickup?
No. Once chicks are picked up, they are considered healthy at the time of pickup.

Wholesale Orders

Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes. Wholesale pricing is available for orders of 50 chicks or more. Learn more about our Wholesale Program or apply for our wholesale program here - wholesale application.

How do I place a wholesale order?
You can sign up on our website or contact us directly for assistance. 

Certifications & Contact

Are you NPIP certified?
Yes. Chesapeake Farm & Hatchery is NPIP certified under number 51-770. This USDA program monitors flocks for diseases such as Salmonella and Avian Influenza.

How can I contact you?
For questions about orders, shipping, pickup, or chick care, please contact us at chicks@chesapeake-hatchery.com. We're happy to help.