(I just noticed the date on your forum, but I figured I'd answer anyway). I have hens from Meyers Hatchery!! I won't go anywhere else anymore. Their birds are healthy and smart, and the pricing is reasonable for the "exotic" breeds I like.
I have two Splash Americaunas bantams—a male and a female. They were born on September 16th (3 months old currently and 26-28 oz), I received them on the 18th in good health, and I've been hand-raising my babies indoors (I live in Phoenix, so they need to come inside during the excessive heat and cold months). I don't have a barn, but I have an added room in my home where all my exotic pets go. They have their indoor coup
. They do have an outside aviary to enjoy a few hours a day to play and goof off the way chickens should be able to. They are safe from all kinds of predators in there. I'm quite protective over my "kids."
Meyer's is AWESOME! They are in Ohio, and they form bonds with their birds, too, and they vaccinate them, which is safe in many ways, even when eating their eggs. I bought a variety of standard-size hens, as well (8) almost 8 years ago. I still have 3 left. They are free-range outside now except at night. They have a very secure yard/coup to stay safe from predators, and to stay in if I'm out of town.
Meyer's only mistake was in sexing one of the chicks on this most recent order. I was supposed to receive 4 female bantams (2 Splash Americaunas and 2 Green Queens), but one grew into a beautiful Rooster..which I can't keep in my neighborhood... I don't want to attract that kind of attention from my neighbors...I called Meyer's to inform them, not expecting a refund at all...but they were certainly mindful of the emotions behind my grief and wanted to refund me anyway, and gave me a list of ideas of safe places to rehome him that would appreciate trained, hand-raised Roo's (e.g. 4 H club organizations).
Would you be interested in being the new parents of my 3-month-old? He likes to be hugged- seriously. I think he thinks he's a dog. My female shepherd looked over them and sat by their cage while they were growing up. So, he's adaptable to many species. He hasn't pecked at me or destructive in any way. He seems to be 'mindful' of where he poops - He doesn't poop on me, or when being carried.
Meyer's have very smart birds!!
