Cheapest hatchery?

[dave3877]

Quote:
sound advice and very true

 

[NewHopePoultry]

I've had chickens before in the [ast and enjoyed them, so I know what I'm getting into.
My husband is buying them, so I have to go the cheapest route, but I am checking the comments,etc everyone has posted about the hatcheries, and I am comparing, so I am doing research on that part.
I'm not being picky about the breed(s) becouse it doesnt really matter to me, I just want some that will lay eggs.

 

[dave3877]

well id get a hatchery assortment. you never know what you will get with them but more often than not they use a lot of production and utility birds to fill the orders (i.e.production reds, black stars, black sex links, gold sex links etc). these are still great birds but if youre just wanting eggs that might be the way to go.

 

[lildinkem]

Yeah an assortment might be your best route.
Another name I heard bounced around, is Superior. They seem to have very nice birds. Or use too. It has been a year since I cruised their site. I wouldn't worry too much about distance from you, within reason. I just bought 20 chicks from FL and all made it but one and I live in INDY. That type of shipping guarantees 48 hour service usually from the time it is dropped off at the PO.
Prolly the very least expensive way is to search Craigslist. This is where I'd say " BUYER BEWARE " on Craiglist. At least you have no current chickens to worry about infecting.

 

[milleryardchx]

http://www.cacklehatchery.com/page10.html has specials of large laying hens no bantums for about 1.52 with shipping per hen

 

[jnkir7]

what was your problem with cackle hatchery im supposed to get some from them on the fifteenth janie

 

[kipper]

You may want to check the various hatchery websites and see what they still have. This time of year the pickings can be slim through hatcheries, especially with the economy and the current "chicken craze".

Feed stores may or may not have chicks this late in the year. They buy in bulk from hatcheries and sell at good prices. They also order very early in the year for multiple shipments to get them through spring.

Buying through craigslist should give you plenty of options, but is a little riskier since the sellers may have problems with disease that you won't possibly pick up on.

I think if I had my way, I would see if someone local would hatch a batch of eggs for me and buy the lot. Cheaper isn't always better, and I would choose a "breeder" over a hatchery if possible.

 

[Gonzo]

qhy not try craigslist? more bang for your buck & and you can even pick out your new babies by hand. Thats what I did.. I took my kids and my 2 nieces. Its an experience they'll always remember! They had a blast! Also, you avoid chicks stress out from shipping. I got 26, and 3 weeks later, everyone's doing great!

 

[reelfun27]

Just order 100 Mt Healthy Jumbo Cornish Rock Cross Broilers(SR) and 50 Bonus chicks(RIR C) from Mt Healthy Hatchery in Ohio. I could not be happier with my order. I live in Florida and received my chicks within less than 24 hours of mailing. Lady at my local post office called at 7:00 am and said my chicks were ready to be picked up. I opened the three boxes of chicks at the post office and all were alive and very chipper. I was surprised the chicks were sent via air overnight mail. Received two extras of the Cornish Rock. I will definately order again from Mt Healthy. They are also a sponsor of the BYC. I was so impressed on my order I call the Hatchery and thanked them for the excellent chicks and method of shipment. I notice that the shipping was a bout $5.00 more that the stated rate. I told the lady to go ahead and charge my CC for the additional postage. I truly expected about half my order to DOA due to the extreme heat we have been having in Florida. It amazes me all the chicks that are delivered via the USPS each day. Lady at the post office allowed me to get my chicks before the post office even was official open. I recently purchased 24 SR RIR from an individual with a commercial incubator locally. I picked up my chicks as soon as they were hatched. I now compare my bonus chicks with the locals RIR and I am very impressed with the MtHealthy RIR s.

 

[Mahonri]

OK, I'm clinically chicken insane.

I just did a fantasy order on McMurray and made it all the way to "PLACE ORDER" they had my CC info and everything!

I was thinking about those White Faced Black Spanish, Blue Andalusians, Games, Hamburgs... and then reality set in... They would arrive on the 22nd and I've still got 20 chickens to get rid of!

Close browser and walk away!

BTW: My fantasy order with vaccinations etc.. was $108 with shipping. I am insane!!! ARGH!!

Back to finding homes for my extra chickens.