Confused, PLEASE help me choose a source for our new babies!!

[graciegoat]

Hi Everyone,

I posted on this website several years ago about getting chickens and then for different reasons it didn't end up happening. Now, however, we are truly ready!!! We're looking to get some delivered in June, probably about 10.
I have been reading (and learning) so much on this website, and have read a lot of reviews about hatcheries. We are in Northern Illinois, and unfortunately there isn't one close enough to drive to so they will need to be shipped. I was planning on going with Meyer Hatchery, but I have read quite a few negative reviews on this site and elsewhere about chicks dying. The reason we were going to use Meyer is because you can mix and match the breeds and we wanted 4 different types.
Our other choice is Cackle Hatchery. They seem to have better reviews, however if you order 10 you can only get 2 breeds within that 10.
So, chicken peeps, what should I do? Go with Meyer for a better selection, but seemingly more negative outcomes, or go with Cackle and just get two breeds? I look forward to hearing others' advice and experiences!
Thanks!!

 

[rnchick74]

I think anytime you are shipping chicks, there is a risk. It's not hatchery dependent. Chicks are fragile, no matter where you get them from. If Meyer's has what you want, I say get them from there - they will give you credit or replace any chicks that are lost during the shipping process. Give them a call and discuss your concerns - they are very nice!

 

[jeepguy982001]

i ordered 4 chicks from meyers a little over 2 yrs. ago. I had one chick die within a week. I think that had more to do with the post office then them. That chick was on its last leg when i picked it up from the post office. Anyways still have 2 of them left that are happy and each lays a egg almost everyday. The other one escaped out of pen and my dogs got it. I'd probably order from them again in the future and their customer service is great.

 

[littlekatzz]

I personally love cackle...but that's because I ordered their surprise assortment, picked out the ones I wanted and sold the rest so that I basically got my chicks for free lol. And out of 57chicks only four were roosters even though it's a straight run. All my chicks were heathy and friendly. And for $61 (that's including shipping) it's a heck of a deal. I kept about ten and sold everyone else at about six weeks for $5 a piece.

 

[Kelsie2290]

You might post on your state thread and see if you can find out what experiences people in your area have had with getting chicks shipped from the two hatcheries, one USPS route might be a lot better / faster than the other.

 

[Mister B]

I ordered chicks from Meyer last month. They were fine and are growing. No problems. I had one die, but that was from a "me" problem. We had tornadoes in the area and I put them all in a box that was too small. One little one paid the price. I felt horrible, because it was all my fault. Meyer had good prices and allowed me to order fewer chicks. They had a good price for shipping as well.

 

[graciegoat]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Has anyone else had a good experience with Meyer lately? Also, do you guys get the vaccine for Marek's?

 

[Mister B]

Mine were fine. I did not get the Marek vaccine

 

[rnchick74]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Has anyone else had a good experience with Meyer lately? Also, do you guys get the vaccine for Marek's?

Of the people I know who have ordered from Meyer last year & this year - all are doing great. I do plan on getting the Marek vaccine - added insurance for prevention.