Best hatchery

[EggSighted4Life]

There are better hatcheries than others, however, since the postal system in so bogged down, I wouldnt order any chicks except through a feed store, who has their own shipping system

Almost ALL the feed stores also get their chicks shopped through USPS.

None of the ones in my region have their own system.. but I DID see some in So Cal/AZ that were using private planes during the New Castle's disease virus outbreak, mandatory euthanasia, and subsequent shipping embargo via USPS in 2019/2020. So while it isn't currently an option that I'm aware of in MY area.. it MAY well be for some others!

They guarantee you will get them alive and well during shipment.

What they actually guarantee is that they will refund or replace any chicks that dies during shipment and usually within 48-72 hours after pick up from the post office.. depending on which hatchery we are discussing.. Most hatcheries have approximately this same guarantee. Some take your word and others request photos Breeders set their own rules and guidelines. NO guarantee from them is a guarantee of no patronage on my part!

They cannot guarantee ALL chicks will arrive alive even if they want to and do kinda state it that way. Even hatching my own chicks at home, not all of them make it past day 3+. A LOT of things have to go right!

So when all chicks do arrive alive, and it does happen quite often (!!), it means all things just happen to fall into place, thanks to the efforts of all parties involved!

 

[Melky]

Hi all. Looking for some advice as to where I can order baby chicks and baby ducklings online.
I had a bad experience with a hatchery in the past where 8 out 10 baby chicks came dead in the box.
Any advice will be appreciated.

My pet chicken or Meyers no losses.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I ordered from McMurray last year, no losses and my ladies are perfect. This year I placed an order with California hatchery. Absolutely horrible customer service! They are supposed to send you an email 72 hrs after your order with your hatch and shipping dates, never received the email. Tried to call but no one answers the phone just a message saying to email them, so that's what I did. Finally got an email 2 days later stating that 2 of the breeds I ordered were out of stock and they had not updated their website AMD they would send me 2 substitutes. I emailed them back told them to cancel my order. They did and gave me my money back minus $15 for a cancellation fee. Anyway, ended up ordering from Meyers and so far has been a great experience.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My pet chicken or Meyers no losses.

I lost 2 entire shipments of bantams from MPC, that's 50 birds. Their customer service was exceptional. I've learned a LOT since then.. AND it was definitely in part due to shipping misfortune. I'm just expressing (probably again, I'm sorry) that there are a multitude of variable at play.

Meyers & Cackle is usually quite good being mid country.. the SHIPPING to my location.

Greenfire Farms.. pricey!! Well packaged, LIVE birds, not stressed AT all, different experience all together! Also, a more SOUTHERN route to my location.. since they are in Florida. *Maybe* less weather extremes along the way..

Time of year to the MANY orders I've made, evades my memory.. but NO matter how well I plan.. there are snaps/spells which cannot be predicted so well.. My motorcycle course (years back) was scheduled in May when it's usually high in the 80's.. Surprise.. it was 107 the entire week. Just sharing anecdotal stories I guess.

I hope you all get fantastic chicks, not less than 3!

 

[brideofchaos]

There are better hatcheries than others, however, since the postal system in so bogged down, I wouldnt order any chicks except through a feed store, who has their own shipping system

I agree! In the last few months, I've had letters sent first class from KY to MA take TWO WEEKS. And then others that are STILL lost in the mail. I don't know what's going on with the mail but it's a mess for the last several months and I will probably look for smaller hatcheries that will let me choose a different shipping method or order through Rural King or Tractor Supply.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I like Meyer's Hatchery best. They replace any chicks that don't survive the trip for free.
Their birds are also really good quality.

 

[Curnow]

I buy my chicks from cackle hatchery. They guarantee you will get them alive and well during shipment. They also add a couple extra chicks in the shipment to make sure. Never had a problem. Last time I ordered 20 chicks and was sent 23. All alive and well. Plus they have the biggest selection of chickens out of all the hatchery's PLUS they have (in my opinion) the easiest website to navigate.

I absolutely agree about Cackle. I have never had a problem whether picking up or having chicks shipped. They are very helpful by phone, and their site it hands down THE best. They are also within a few hours drive from me.