Chicken Hatchery Minimum Order Requirement Questions

[Beaks Of Hazard]

Hi, I want to order some chicks soon online but haven't figured out who I will be ordering from yet (I'm leaning towards Cackle Hatchery, however). The breeds that I want are are 5 silkies, 5 welsummers, 5 turkens, and 5 maybe a crested breed like a sultan (20 chicks total).

On most hatchery sites it says "MINIMUM ORDER: 15 Bantam Chicks". Since the silkies are bantams and the rest of the chicks I want are standard size, does this mean that I HAVE to order 15 Silkies? Or will the fact that there will be at least 10-15 standard size chicks with the silkies count?

 

[Angiebubs]

I would calla nd ask but I believe it is a minumum of 15 bantams if ordering only bantams-otherwise I am sure that you could have a mix. FUN!

Also, just a side note: My Pet Chicken has a smaller order size requirement and I beleive they are the only place that offers sexed bantams if that is something you were interested in. I bought from them-great service and healthy chicks.

 

[Beaks Of Hazard]

OK, thanks!

 

[SlipsWife]

I was going to mix my order but there were only 2 standard size breeds (I can't remember what they were) available for the same hatch date as the silkies/EE bantams from Privett unless I wanted to wait until July. Just a heads up in case the hatchery you're looking at doesn't show available dates, you might have to call and make sure. I was really wanting a few more naked necks to add to our group. Now I have something to look forward to for next year!

 

[cgoodloe]

I just placed an order from Cackle a month ago. My shipment arrived dead but it was Post Office fault not Cackle. I had originally placed an order for 7 faverolles standard and 8 ee'er bantams but they told me they can only ship 15 of one or the other not both sizes but I could mix bantam breeds so I did that. So I ended up with 8 ee'ers and 7 rir bantams since I couldn't do the faverolles anyway because central California is too hot for them. So I'd call them and ask about it. With bantams, they can't be sexed so I will probably end up with some roosters. It's a waste of money but that's how it works if you want bantams as chicks.

They do have small flock special orders as well if you want a few of one and a few of another. Just place 2 orders separately in that case.

Carla

 

[Beaks Of Hazard]

I emailed them and they said that they could put the 5 silkies with the standard size chicks. But, when I called to order they said they couldn't do that because the silkies would get squashed.

But the lady I spoke with was very nice and said they could put the 10 crested birds assortment special like Polish, sultans, and houdans with the silkies to make the minimum amount (I didn't want to get any more bantams unless I had to), so that's what I did. Then I had to choose 5 more standard size chicks in order to have a minimum of 15 for the standards (I choose EEs). The only problem is that now instead of ordering 15 chicks like I originally intended, I had to order 30! My husbands eyes almost popped out when I told him.

In the end, I'm thrilled because I really wanted more Crested Top Hats and Easter Eggers anyway.

 

[SlipsWife]

I received bantams mixed with standard sized and even turkey in my last order. I've never heard of them not mixing them. Good to know! Our extras from our first group sold quick and I've seen a number of post on Craigslist looking for chicks since our TSC stopped carrying them last week. When will your order be in?

 

[Beaks Of Hazard]

It's scheduled to arrive at the end of May. It feels like forever before we get them! However, before I chose Cackle, I saw that most of the hatcheries had wait times as long as July and August. So, I guess it could be worse.

But it's so hard to wait! They aren't even EGGS YET!

 

[SlipsWife]

It's scheduled to arrive at the end of May. It feels like forever before we get them! However, before I chose Cackle, I saw that most of the hatcheries had wait times as long as July and August. So, I guess it could be worse.

But it's so hard to wait! They aren't even EGGS YET!

That does sound like FOREVER!

For some reason I didn't realize you were ordering from Cackle. I think someone might have their info messed up. If you are happy with your order than stick with it but they are the ones I got a surprise from and had all different sizes mixed in (and turkeys)! I guess you could always tell them if something happened you wouldn't ask for reimbursement on the silkies. I wanted to order another surprise but I think my husband might make me sleep with the chickens if I do!

 

[ozarkmomma]

I think it depends on the hatchery. We ordered from Welp and they ship standard on certain days and bantam on certain days so they can't be shipped together (although they will put standard size "packing peanuts" in the bantam order.