Best hatcheries?

[Joe.G]

California doesn't give out a phone number and I wanted to talk to someone so I didn't order from them and they were my first choice in till that. Cackle was very nice to deal with on the phone and I was going to order from them but then I was able to get a bigger order together so I went with Hoover who had all the Chickens I wanted ready to go in a week and there prices were better. I am very happy with Hoover so far ( Except they haven't answered any of my E mails )

 

[shadow rabbit10]

I never really looked at Hoover.

 

[Joe.G]

Given them a call very nice and great service at a good price.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

ill check out their website if they have one.

 

[Trisea11]

I like my pet chicken the best. I've ordered from there several times and all have been successful. Meyers also good though but they don't sex bantams. I ordered 25 from cackle and about 7 died and one had a splint leg. I ordered again and they all lived and I got one best in show. They are EXTREMLY nice too.

 

[AngEngland]

We bought mixed brown layers from Hoover's Hatchery (50) a year ago and they were amazing. We got a fabulous variety and they've been very helpful.

We got 50 Cornish for them and they were also excellent and hardy. We got 52 and dressed out 48 which is an excellent grow-out rate.

This year my in-laws ordered cornish cross from another hatchery this year and they were not pleasant. The first 50 arrived and 22 were dead. They were replaced (only 7 doa this time) but they were not hardy. We only were able to put 38 birds in the freezer total. We will go back with Hoover's for general needs from now on.

Angela <><

 

[WarrenHound]

i'm kind of surprised no one mentioned ideal hatchery if you are just wanting a small order i haven't had my own experience with them but have seen more positive than negative reviews and alot of the birds (other than silkies) don't look half bad https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/278186/post-pics-of-stock-from-ideal-poultry-please/570

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

i'm kind of surprised no one mentioned ideal hatchery if you are just wanting a small order i haven't had my own experience with them but have seen more positive than negative reviews and alot of the birds (other than silkies) don't look half bad https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/278186/post-pics-of-stock-from-ideal-poultry-please/570

Ideal is the only hatchery that has all it's breeds available year round. But the have a $25 minimum order and they usually ship extra males for heat. But, again all breeds available all year. I am going to be ordering from MPC in late winter for sexed bantams and some large fowl. I just don't want to get too many males, otherwise I would use Ideal.

 

[mychickenbrood]

I learn so much from this site! I didn't know My Pet Chicken drop ships from Meyer? However, I am not sure, but I couldn't find the chicks I wanted at the end of October of this year (2012) and think I looked at Meyer, but anyway, MPC is sending them, so I am happy to hear so many satisfied customers. I am going to look at Hoover too.

I ordered 50 "rare and unusual" pullets from Murray McMurray last Spring and was happy with them. All were alive, although two were splay legged and I brought them inside and tried to fix them with the wonderful advice given here. Unfortunately, I had to leave for awhile and though I thought they were safe, my terrier managed to kill both. I also lost two others. Don't know why. I got only a handful or cocks out of the group, so was very happy. I would not hesitate to order from them again.

They do not send money as a refund for my lost chicks though. They did put it on as a credit for my next order.

 

[horsedirtocala]

I'm a backyarder. I chose Meyer beacause they have 6 minimum. Don't quote me on that. Great customer service! I waited 3 months to get the assortment of breeds I wanted in one order. Be prepared for high shipping costs (hence small order) And prepared to lose one or 2. My ideal flock was 4 I ordered 8, 2 died of pasty butt as chicks. However I still have 6 healthy pullets getting ready to lay. 2 too many but I adore them!