Questions to Ask Before Ordering Day-Old Chicks

Ordering day-old chicks is the first and most important step in starting a successful poultry project. Whether you’re raising broilers, layers, or dual-purpose breeds, asking the right questions ensures you get healthy, vaccinated, and fast-growing chicks—while avoiding costly mistakes.
At Vet Aaron Farms, we’ve compiled this list of 35 essential questions every farmer should ask before placing an order. These questions will help you assess the quality of the chicks, the credibility of the supplier, and whether you’re fully prepared for chick arrival.
Section 1: Questions About the Chicks Themselves
Are the chicks vaccinated at the hatchery? If yes, against which diseases?

What is the average weight of the chicks at hatch?

What breed or strain of chicks are you selling (e.g., Cobb 500, Lohmann Brown)?
Are the chicks sexed (for layers)?
How old will the chicks be on the day of delivery?
Are these chicks from a parent stock with good laying or growth records?
What is the average hatchability and survivability rate for your chicks?
Can I visit your hatchery or see pictures/videos of your setup?
Do you have chicks suitable for local or free-range systems (e.g., Kuroiler or Rainbow Rooster)?
Are your chicks approved or certified by any veterinary or agricultural authority?
Section 2: Questions to Ask the Supplier or Hatchery
How long have you been in the poultry chick supply business?
Do you provide a receipt or delivery note upon purchase?
Can you provide testimonials or contacts of previous buyers?
What is your weekly delivery schedule?
Do you accept deposits for bookings? If yes, how secure is it?

What is your policy on replacing weak or dead-on-arrival chicks?

Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
Are you reachable for follow-up support after delivery?
Do you work with certified poultry vets or extension officers?
Do you provide feeding guides or brooding instructions along with the chicks?
Section 3: Questions About Delivery and Logistics
Do you deliver chicks to my location (e.g., Kampala, Mbarara, Gulu)?
What kind of transport boxes do you use? Are they ventilated and secure?

How do you ensure temperature control during transit?

What time of day do you deliver chicks?
How do you handle delays or missed deliveries?
Can I pick the chicks up myself? If yes, what’s the best time to arrive?
Do you deliver vitamins, feed, or brooding equipment together with the chicks?
Section 4: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Ordering
Is my brooder fully prepared (warm, dry, clean, and safe)?
Do I have a reliable heat source like charcoal, gas, or electricity?
Do I have clean waterers and feeders ready?
Have I bought chick starter feed and supplements?
Do I understand the feeding schedule for the specific breed I’m ordering?
Is my chick shelter safe from predators and cold weather?
Do I have access to a vet or poultry expert in case of emergencies?
Am I committed to monitoring the chicks daily, especially for the first 14 days?

Final Thoughts from Vet Aaron Farms

The quality of your chicks can determine the success—or failure—of your poultry business. Asking the right questions helps you make an informed decision, reduces risks, and gives your flock the strong start they need.
At Vet Aaron Farms, we believe informed farmers are successful farmers. That’s why we supply:
Vaccinated, fast-growing day-old chicks
Personalized brooding guides
Post-sale veterinary support
Nationwide delivery across Uganda