How to Receive & Care for
Live Chickens Arriving by Mail

Your Post Office Just Called — What Do You Do?

When your post office calls to say your live chickens have arrived, the clock starts immediately. Live poultry in a shipping box should be picked up as quickly as possible — within 1–2 hours of the call if at all possible. Here's exactly what to do from the moment you get the call through the critical first 48 hours.

Step 1: Pick Up Same Day (Do Not Delay)

Head to the post office as soon as you receive the call. Do not wait until later in the day. Birds that remain in a shipping box for extended periods can become stressed, dehydrated, and weakened. Bring a breathable cardboard box or ventilated pet carrier to transport birds home safely.

At the post office, inspect the box before leaving. Look for any obviously distressed or deceased birds. If any birds appear unwell, photograph them and contact us immediately at +1 (346) 636-0501 or info@livepoultrystore.com to activate our live arrival guarantee.

Step 2: Set Up Before the Birds Arrive

Before you leave to pick up your birds, ensure your brooder or coop is ready: temperature between 70–75°F for adults (95°F for chicks in first week), fresh clean water available at proper height, starter feed in feeders, and a draft-free environment. Having this ready before pickup makes the first minutes much smoother.

Step 3: Open the Box — Offer Water First

Open the box in your prepared space. Remove birds one at a time and place them near the water source. Gently dip each bird's beak in the water to show them where it is — especially important for chicks. If you have poultry electrolyte supplement, add it to the water — this helps birds recover from shipping stress quickly.

Wait 30 minutes before offering feed. Water first is critical — dehydrated birds often will not eat even if they need to.

Step 4: Monitor Closely for First 24–48 Hours

For the first 48 hours, check on your new birds every 2–3 hours. Signs of healthy adjustment include: active movement, drinking, eating within 2–4 hours of arrival, and normal droppings. Signs of stress to watch for: birds huddled together and not moving, not drinking after 2 hours, labored breathing, or significant diarrhea. Call us immediately at (346) 636-0501 if you observe any concerning signs.

Step 5: Quarantine from Existing Flock (If Applicable)

If you have existing chickens, keep new birds completely separate for 2–4 weeks. This quarantine period allows you to identify any health issues without exposing your existing flock. All our birds are NPIP certified, but quarantine is best practice for any new poultry introduction — even from the most reputable sources.

What's Included in Every Live Poultry Store Order

Every order from Live Poultry Store includes: a printed care guide in the shipping box, the NPIP health certificate, a water gel pack and starter feed (for longer transits), and 7-day phone support from our Texas farm experts. Call us at +1 (346) 636-0501 Monday–Sunday, 8am–6pm CT with any questions after your birds arrive.