Buying chicks online?

[ChasingHens]

What is the best place to buy chicks (turkeys, ducks, etc.) where there is no min amount to order and the shipping isn't $50-$75? Is that the normal shipping? I have only looked at a few websites and that is what I have come across. I know my moms neighbor orders from a catalog and there is no way she pays that much. At least I don't think she does. I am new to all of this. I live in a very rural area that is mostly farm land but can't seem to find a local hatchery around me. My landlord raises poultry but they are all for show. My local feed store sells them but they are not sexed and the last time I went that route I ended up with all roosters. Plus they want $19.99 for turkeys and $18.99 for geese and they aren't even the breeds I want. Thank you so much for help you can give.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you want a small number of chicks/poults from a mail order hatchery, they have to put a heat pack in the box because there aren't enough birds to keep each other warm. That can add to the shipping cost but 75 for shipping could be a bit high.
Shipping boxes for live poultry are expensive. Shipping poultry by express mail is expensive. They aren't going to eat those costs themselves. They wouldn't make any money.

 

[Cayuga momma]

Every hatchery has had problems with shipping, so it's hard to go off their reviews. The cheapest hatchery I have found was cackle hatchery. Their shipping is $20 for small orders. I believe you have to order atleast 3. The birds are pretty cheap. They are in Missouri. They do put heating packs in with the birds. I ordered from them so if you have any other questions let me know.

 

[LipsChicks]

Check with Meyer Hatchery. They have reasonable shipping for small orders. And they are VERY good to work with.

 

[Folly's place]

I've been very happy with Cackle, and had good experiences ordering from MurrayMcMurray. Shipping is tricky, and small orders are especially difficult, although $75 is pretty expensive! I call the hatchery involved and order by phone, with their website open to look at. Human contacts are best.
Mary

 

[featherhead007]

Hatcheries are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you............never mind!

 

[FullHouseMama]

I recommend Meyer Hatchery. They have proven to have amazing customer service and prompt response. The minimum order is 3. Depending on how many chicks you want you will get the best total price ordering 15 because less than 15 ship for $35 and 15 or more ship for $10. I initially planned to order a total if 8 because we wanted 2 of each breed we chose to start with. I ended up just adding 7 rainbow pullets because they were cheaper, it seemed a fun surprise, and getting those 15 was less then ordering the original 8 alone. Anyone you can split and order with if you don’t want that many?

 

[Mylittlefarmof12]

I have an order of 15 coming. Shipped out today from Cackle hatchery. Kinda worried though as my estimated delivery day is Thursday I sure hope they arrive alive! This will be my first time ordering anything alive through mail.

 

[Acre4Me]

Where are you located? You can look up NPIP hatcheries in the NPIP website, with the option to search by state. NPIP indicates a hatchery or breeder has passed certain screenings and are considered healthy flocks. Also, you can post this question on the BYC state thread for your state (under social “where am I, where are you”. And BYC also has a hatchery/breeder thread area in these forums.

 

[Mylittlefarmof12]

Thanks, I will do that. I'm am in Wyoming.