Best chick hatchery for roosters

[Schuey72]

Hi all! I want to strengthen my self sustaining free ranging flock’s overall genetics with a few roosters (bought as chicks) to replace the current ones I have now. I was all set to buy from Hilltop Poultry Farm Store when I saw all the negative comments about it and its chicks. Anyone have any other suggestions for hatcheries that will have what I'm looking for? I live in southern Wisconsin.

Than so much!

Scott

 

[nuthatched]

Mcmurray, cackle, Mt. Healthy, Meyers, all good hatcheries.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Agree. I think I've done business with all of those over the years.

 

[Schuey72]

Thank you to both of you for your suggestions, much appreciated! I'm also considering smaller local breeders, but am not sure how to find out if they are reputable breeders for dual purpose heritage breeds.

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

Hi all! I want to strengthen my self sustaining free ranging flock’s overall genetics with a few roosters (bought as chicks) to replace the current ones I have now. I was all set to buy from Hilltop Poultry Farm Store when I saw all the negative comments about it and its chicks. Anyone have any other suggestions for hatcheries that will have what I'm looking for? I live in southern Wisconsin.

Than so much!

Scott

Hi Scott,
What type of genes are looking for to add to your free ranging flock?
Are you looking meat birds capable of supplying a fair amount of eggs?
BTW, how many hens are in your flock?

 

[Schuey72]

I'm looking for dual purpose heritage breeds such as black australorp, Orpington, barred rock, Brahma, and cochin (to hatch and raise chicks) or other breeds that meet this criteria.

For my roosters, I'm specifically looking for:

1. Strong, consistent genetics for overall vigor, disease resistance, and balances dual purpose traits.
2. Good flock leadership and alertness for stronger free ranging instincts-losing many more hens and chicks to hawks the last 2 years.

I currently have 3 roosters to 21 hens; I will try to get a better ratio by adding about 6 hens (chicks) and 2 male chicks soon. I will keep my best rooster this fall, put the extra remaining roosters in the freezer leaving 3 roosters to about 27 hens. Replacing the old rooster next year. Also have 11 guinea fowl that share the range and coop.

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

Hi Scott,
What type of genes are looking for to add to your free ranging flock?
Are you looking meat birds capable of supplying a fair amount of eggs?
BTW, how many hens are in your flock?

2. Good flock leadership and alertness for stronger free ranging instincts-losing many more hens and chicks to hawks the last 2 years.

 

[Beaus plus baby Bunny]

Hi all! I want to strengthen my self sustaining free ranging flock’s overall genetics with a few roosters (bought as chicks) to replace the current ones I have now. I was all set to buy from Hilltop Poultry Farm Store when I saw all the negative comments about it and its chicks. Anyone have any other suggestions for hatcheries that will have what I'm looking for? I live in southern Wisconsin.

Than so much!

Scott

honestly i know breeders arent as cheap but breeders typically have more reliable and dependable birds

 

[Schuey72]

I don't mind paying more for chicks from breeders, in the long run it is definitely worth the extra $.

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

Thanks for the report, what is the area of your free range access and how dense is the grass shrubbery/tree cover?
What percent of their nutrients do you expect your flock to get by free ranging?