Are there any hatcheries with smaller minimums that don't make you order at least 5 of the same breed? I would love to place an order next spring for about 10 chicks of different breeds, but is that even possible?
Try Meyer or Mcmurray. Usually if you are ordering a standard large fowl breed you can order just 1 of each breed, but they do require a minimum order of something like 5-6 depending on the time of year.
If you are trying to order bantams or rare breeds, etc. you may find that you have a minimum of each "breed".
Also the mix and match may not apply to chickens + waterfowl, etc.
Yes, Ideal, Meyer, Mt Healthy and McMurray all allow single breeds of chicks! Check their small order fees. Mt Healthy was $15 for 10 chicks (I ordered from them this year). Good luck!