Advice for ordering chicks - breeds and other questions!

[Allthefloofs]

I ordered from Cackle Hatchery. I had 4 Speckled Sussex arrive with a couple ducks. I think you would have good luck with them!

Awesome! I haven't ordered from Cackle before, but I hear a lot of good things about them. Thanks for the info!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Awesome! I haven't ordered from Cackle before, but I hear a lot of good things about them. Thanks for the info!

I ordered ducklings for an April 1 hatch. Yup I ordered before covid with a shipment during it.
Cackle did a fantastic job!
I only ordered 7 and they added grogel as well as a heat pack even though I had not put those on my order. I really appreciated it in the end and wouldn't hesitate to order with that added in the future.
They arrived in excellent shape raring to go. It took maybe 12 seconds for them to all find food and water.

 

[HogWildAboutChix]

Ive ordered from several over the years.

I ordered some great chicks from Hoover last year. Nice strong chicks. Im pretty sure they offer free shipping, but have weird # per gender minimums year.

I feel like Cackle is pricey on shipping. But, probably worth sitting and doing the math on $per bird with and without shipping. May all equal out.

That SS Joy is pretty!!!!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I've not had Speckled Sussex, but definitely agree they are an attractive, and seemingly popular, breed.

I love my Dark Brahma, but they aren't spectacular layers (offset, somewhat, by laying better in winter than some others), and they are very slow to grow. Likely not a great choice for you. Instead, I'd suggest looking at Gold-laced or Silver-laced Wyandotte. Early to develop, decent layers, compact birds (heavy for the size), and attractive (if not so interesting as the SS). Don't have a hatchery recommend - all my birds are from TSC, which in my area, means Hoover's. Fine for eggs, fine for table, but that's the limit of what they are fine for.

@SnootyHen has a very attractive GLW - part of why I snapped up some silver-laced when I had the chance (closest I could get), perhaps she can tell you more.

 

[Xouie]

My only hatchery experience so far is Welp for CX meat birds — and it was an awesome experience (inexpensive, healthy chicks and excellent customer service). So if I ever buy layer breed chicks instead of hatching eggs next year, Welp will be my first stop. So many breeds... the Russian orloffs look pretty.

 

[HogWildAboutChix]

I havent heard of Welp. I'll have to check them out.

I think Im going to do the Brown Leghorns, RIRs, Sussex, and Favorelles for my first order. I think. So many birds to choose from!

 

[The Brick Coop]

As far as some hatcheries having connections with show breeders: Ideal has good Japanese bantams...some 4Hers in our club won Best In Show at our county fair with some from there (out of 200+ birds). Another year another 4Her bought from Privett and won a Class Champion at the PA Farm Show with a standard breed (I think it was Light Brown Leghorn). Lately I have seen a lot of hatchery advertisement photos & videos of birds not looking like the APA Standards what with tails at way too-high angles for the breed, and bodies looking like just any other breeds, so if you want the unique-ness of a breed (more important than color), you could research breed type, & have fun learning a bit. On the other hand if you want a dear pet, you might want to buy from a breeder you can chat with, or someone who has raised some hatchery birds to near-point-of-lay to get an idea of their personalities. Have fun with your order, poultry is a wonderful adventure!

 

[HogWildAboutChix]

Have fun with your order, poultry is a wonderful adventure!
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Great advice! Thank you. My youngest son loves the birds and would like to show them he says. Our oldest shows livestock in 4H, but there is no poultry club.
We really do enjoy the chickens! Im a fool for Roosters (because they are so pretty), and the word has spread. I take in a couple monthly from people who don't want them and arent having luck rehoming. I took in 3 Lavender Orpingtons a couple weeks ago, and they are magnificent. I have 8 to 10 boys currently, that all coexist beautifully.
My son wants Rhode Island Reds - so we will for sure be getting some. I do worry about those Roos, as my impression is they are a little more aggressive. We have a boy or two that arent cuddly, but not a one that is mean.