Best Hatchery for Broilers (and a feed question)

[BarredBuff]

Hi folks! Long time since I posted here. I'm back on the homestead now, and bringing it back to life. It's been about four years since I raised broilers. I have plans on doing it again this fall. In my sabbatical, I haven't given much thought to where I would get them.

I have done some price checking and can get 35 really cheap straight run from Welp Hatchery, and then pretty close in price at Meyer Hatchery. They don't charge shipping for broilers. I typically buy from Cackle but they are more expensive and charge shipping.

What are your thoughts on Welp? Meyer?

Also, what percent protein do you start your broilers on? I used to use 20%, but I am thinking about utilizing 24%. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Orpingtons43]

Meyer Hatchery!! I love Meyer Hatchery and have always had great luck with their birds! Also feed should be 20-25% protein. Good luck!

 

[GoldveinReds]

I just completed my first group of meat birds that I ordered from Ideal Hatchery. Lost just one chick upon arrival. All the other grew to a good weight in 8 weeks. Used 20% protein feed.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I don't know anything about welp or cackle, no personal experiences.

But I have had VERY good livability from Meyer hatchery broiler chickens for years and they do get big, even on a restricted feeding plan. Never had them die as chicks. Not even one. In fact, the ONLY ones I have lost were due to my own negligence.

I feed mine 20% and at 3-4 weeks I transition them to a twenty-minutes twice-a-day feeding plan of fermented feed. It's not unreasonable to expect 4-5lb birds at 10 weeks this way and 8lb birds at 12 weeks if you like them a bit firmer. So they grow well.

Like all broilers, they handle heat terribly, so I find it's best to order them mid or late summer so they have natural heat when they are wee babies and then it's nice and cool in the fall for when they are big and heavy.

 

[Northern.Ontario]

All the eggs used by these hatcheries come from Cobb-Vantress Inc. Much of the success also depends on their genetics, not just how they were hatched.