What are your pick up hours again? Please come at your reserved time on your order confirmation email. If you can’t make that time or are unsure of when it is, you may come during our open hours: Wed 4 – 5 & 6 – 7; Friday 6 – 7; or Sat. 10 am – 2 pm.

When and how do I return my foster friends? Use this form to let us know when you are returning them. Most enjoy keeping them for about 2 weeks but you may return them before that if you prefer.  

Where is that Chick & Duckling Care Guide? Download the Guide Here

Where is the extended FAQ? All your questions answered here.

Can I get ducklings? The store says sold out.  All the ducklings are spoken for.  We have a waiting list. If you stay subscribed to our emails throughout the year you will get first notice when we announce that reservations are open for 2022. Subscribe here.

Can I pick up after Easter?  Yes.  The chicks grow quickly but they will still be small and be a great experience. We are open the week after Easter beginning 8:30 – 4 most days, except Wednesday.

Can I keep them in the house and what is a safe heat source for indoors? Yes.  You can keep them in the house, basement or garage as long as you can keep them warm enough.  They prefer to be around 90 degrees. You may use any type of desk lamp that has a bulb that you can feel is giving off heat.  Actual heat lamp bulbs are available at your hardware store for about $4. Just be careful that you don’t create a fire hazard.  If you can’t find anything in your home that works, you can purchase something like this at a hardware store – brooder lamp.  I think I’ve seen them for less than $8 in some years.  The nice feature is they will clip onto the box.

What size box to they come in? The box  is 24 x 12 x 12 inches.  They should be happy in this box for 1 – 2 weeks.

Can I take them out of the box?

Chicks do pee and poop as they run around.  And they move fast.  If you want to take them out of the box, just make sure they can’t get too far away from you.  In the first few days, I don’t recommend taking them outside because they need to stay warmer than room temperature.  Part of their box should be around 90 degrees at all times.  They should be able to huddle in the heat when they are cold and move away from it when they are too warm.  Our Care Guide will give you more information.

Is it possible to get salmonella?  Salmonella is very easy to avoid by using common sense handwashing procedures. It is possible to come in contact with salmonella anytime you touch fecal matter that harbors the bacteria. This could be a baby’s diaper, your pet’s fur, your own bathroom, or any other animal that you touch.  Wash your hands, and your child’s, anytime the chicks, or their items, are handled.

Is it possible to get Covid-19 from chicks? In my research, I saw no documentation or suggestions that poultry can carry covid-19. Please observe handwashing procedures anyway to avoid other bacteria from animals.  

Do we need to keep chicks and ducklings separate?  It is up to you.  Some foster families like to separate them because the ducks enjoy the water so much that they make the drinking water dirty quickly for the chicks. The ducklings may also be bigger than the chicks.

What if my chick/duckling gets sick?   Sometimes this happens, through no fault of yours. Did it get too cold or too hot? Is it eating or drinking? Message me so we can figure it out together.

Where can I write a review of this great experience?  That’s a great idea! Facebook reviews and Google reviews would be perfect.

What #hashtags should I use for posting pictures on social media?  Use #whfosterachick and #willowhavenfarm or #whfarm

What else can I do at Willow Haven Farm?

  • Get 20 weeks of great-tasting, organically grown vegetables, customized to what you like and what you eat. We even deliver to homes in the Lehigh Valley.  Find out if a Farm Share CSA is a perfect fit for your family.
  • Order farm fresh food online every week of the year: Online Farm Stand
  • Visit the farm any Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm May – December. Farm tours, see other animals, buy at our On Farm Market.
  • Bring your family to Volunteer Tuesdays.  Come any Tuesday between 8:30 – 9 am to get a chance to help on the farm.