Understanding Your Chick Shipment
If you’ve recently placed an order for chicks online from MacFarlane Pheasant, here is everything you need to know about your order.
This guide will help you understand the labels, bird codes, and what to expect when your birds arrive.
Finding the Bird Codes on Your Box
Each chick box is labeled with stickers or markings that help identify the contents inside. These labels may include:
- Bird breed codes
- Quantities
The bird code corresponds to the breeds included in your shipment. If your order contains multiple breeds, you may see several codes listed on the same box.
What the Codes Mean
Each breed in our system is assigned a unique code. These codes help our hatchery team accurately pack and identify your birds during shipment.
Example:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| RN P | Ringneck Hen |
| RN C | Ringneck Cox |
| RN SR | Ringneck Straightrun |
| KS P | Kansas Hen |
| KS C | Kansas Cox |
| KS SR | Kansas Straightrun |
| MX P | Manchurian Cross Hen |
| MX C | Manchurian Cross Cox |
| MX SR | Manchurian Cross Straightrun |
| EX SR | Extra Large Straightrun |
| MM SR | Melanistic Mutant Straightrun |
| CP SR | Chukar Partridge Straightrun |
Multiple Breeds in One Shipment
It is common for shipments to contain multiple breeds packaged together for warmth and safety during transit. Birds are not always separated into individual boxes by breed.
We recommend:
- Comparing the birds to your order confirmation
- Using feather color, markings, and leg color to help identify breeds
- Referring to breed photos on our website
What to Do When Your Shipment Arrives
Please open your shipment immediately upon arrival and:
- Carefully inspect all birds
- Count the chicks received
- Place them under heat with access to water right away
- Monitor them closely during the first 24 hours
Shipping can be stressful for young poultry, and prompt care is very important.
Download our Rearing Guide here.
Our 5-Day Live Arrival Guarantee
We stand behind the quality of our birds and cover the first five days after arrival.
If you experience any losses or concerns:
- Please document the issue with photos if possible
- Contact us promptly
- Submit a DOA (Dead on Arrival) form if needed. This form can be found on your confirmation e-mail when your order is placed.
Questions?
If you have questions about your shipment or need help identifying your birds, our customer service team is happy to assist you.
Phone: 608-757-7881
Email: chicksales@pheasant.com
Thank you for choosing us and enjoy your new flock!