Differences between your hatch and mailed chicks.

[Orange Ribbon]

Pretty interesting perspectives. The number of people not having pasty butt with their own hatched chicks is remarkable.

I agree about hardiness being more important than friendliness, but it seems that a chick that will willingly come to your hand when put in the brooder are going to be better off than those that go running for the corner out of fear. On the other hand you don't want them to be "friendly" to everything in the world.

The little boogers must hear a lot while they are still in the shell and get tuned into regular movements/sounds. The only thing my chicks don't like is when my computer chair squeaks when I turn to look in their box, but settle down when I speak or whistle at them. The dogs barking, dishes rattling, and other stuff doesn't affect them any.

Anyway, I would still order chicks, but since I saw some differences in these I hatched myself thought I'd see if anyone else did or if I was imagining it.

 

[CupOJoe42]

I have both Hatchery chicks (16) and self-hatched chicks (5) and have not noticed that big a difference (maybe I was just lucky?) My hatchery chicks were happy, healthy, and very active when I got them. Both hatchery and self-hatched chicks are very friendly because I spend a lot of time with them, talking, petting, holding, feeding, etc. Had very few cases of Pasty Butt and it was mild for both hatchery and self-hatched chicks. The only difference that I found is in the quality of the chicks. My self-hatched chicks came from SQ parents and the hatchery chicks are beautiful, tho maybe not show quality (still to be determined.) I would not turn away hatchery chicks, providing they came from a NPIP Certified hatchery. Thank God, I have not lost a chick yet!!!! They are all so precious to me!

 

[seminolewind]

I think alot has to do with what breed and how many. Some breeds are more people friendly, and I think fewer chicks in a hatch get more friendly. My first 3 were hatchery chicks, now 4 year old JG's and they love hanging out with me. I can pick them up and hug them. Even as chicks they jumped right on my hand.

 

[cmom]

I agree with seminolewind. I have had hatchery chicks and hatched my own. I have had good luck with both and they all follow me all over. Sometimes almost too friendly. I have one of my hatchery birds who is a little over 2 yrs old who like to get on my feet when she wants my attention.