Can't get any chicks :(

[SD Bird Lady]

Well these are all hatchery stock that we are talking about so they are all going to have their own problems with their birds when it comes to representing the respective breeds. Joey if you are wanting to get high quality birds that have good genes and can be used for breeding or for showing, then as it has been recommended to myself, buy good show quality. However there is nothing wrong with starting off with hatchery stock birds if you are just wanting to get started and have a small flock for pets/eggs/meat etc. As long as they are happy and healthy that's all that really matters. But do take some advice from me as I am still learning myself. Chickens while they of course can be rather cost effective usually wind up being quite a bit more expensive than you would originally think. And sometimes it can be worth it to pay the extra cash when getting chicks. But Good luck with your chicks from Ideal! The little fluff butts are always filled with fun and excitement. I can't wait till mine hatch next friday ^^

I agree. But I have noticed that some hatcheries have stronger stock of some breeds and weaker in others. So it pays to ask around.

 

[joeyfender]

Well these are all hatchery stock that we are talking about so they are all going to have their own problems with their birds when it comes to representing the respective breeds. Joey if you are wanting to get high quality birds that have good genes and can be used for breeding or for showing, then as it has been recommended to myself, buy good show quality. However there is nothing wrong with starting off with hatchery stock birds if you are just wanting to get started and have a small flock for pets/eggs/meat etc. As long as they are happy and healthy that's all that really matters. But do take some advice from me as I am still learning myself. Chickens while they of course can be rather cost effective usually wind up being quite a bit more expensive than you would originally think. And sometimes it can be worth it to pay the extra cash when getting chicks. But Good luck with your chicks from Ideal! The little fluff butts are always filled with fun and excitement. I can't wait till mine hatch next friday ^^

I am just starting out. Got my first chicks yesterday. I just want to start a small flock for eggs and for the happiness of having a new type of pet. I probably will never get into showing because 1. I don't like showing 2. Because there are no shows anywhere near me.

 

[CedarCluck]

Joey I was just thinking about this. Based on what you mentioned about wanting Silkies from this hatchery I am assuming thats the main breed you are wanting? If so I would recommend that you contact your local 4-h secretary who can direct you to a breeder. You might be able to get an even better deal if you can go and get the chicks yourself. Just a thought.

 

[CedarCluck]

I agree. But I have noticed that some hatcheries have stronger stock of some breeds and weaker in others. So it pays to ask around.

True True. I have heard really good things about McMurray but I have to agree with Joey. They are exceedingly expensive. I am getting some day old's from them but I am doing it with the nature center I work with here in Iowa so we are driving to pick them up rather than shipping them so it's much more cost effective.

 

[CedarCluck]

I am just starting out. Got my first chicks yesterday. I just want to start a small flock for eggs and for the happiness of having a new type of pet. I probably will never get into showing because 1. I don't like showing 2. Because there are no shows anywhere near me.

Well welcome to the world of keeping chickens. I have been doing it for almost a year and I can say that I will never go back to living without them. They are fun and the eggs are delicious. I have never had silkies personally but they are rather cute with their fuzziness.

 

[silkiemomma42]

I have always had good luck with the local, or at least moderately local sections of craigslist. Yes I did have to drive an hour and a half, but my chicks were never subjected to the post office, also I could meet the chicks' parents, they were half the price of catalogue chicks, I could reach into the incubator and take home as many as I wanted. Very pleased!

 

[joeyfender]

Joey I was just thinking about this. Based on what you mentioned about wanting Silkies from this hatchery I am assuming thats the main breed you are wanting? If so I would recommend that you contact your local 4-h secretary who can direct you to a breeder. You might be able to get an even better deal if you can go and get the chicks yourself. Just a thought. 

Yea. Thanks for all the help! . I want to know where all the local breeders are and I will call tomorrow. I think I will go with Ideal as this will be my first endeavor into shipped chicks. I really do appreciate everyones help!

 

[CedarCluck]

Yea. Thanks for all the help!

. I want to know where all the local breeders are and I will call tomorrow. I think I will go with Ideal as this will be my first endeavor into shipped chicks. I really do appreciate everyones help!

You are very welcome and good luck!

 

[CedarCluck]

Oh and please do post pictures ^^

 

[jrbb00]

What part of texas you in I have two dozen eggs in the incubator at the moment. They will hatch on the 24th of this month. If you are close enough we may be able to work someting out if you are interested. Im in the Hallettsville area.