In reading I see hatcheries mentioned, some I'm familiar with and some I've never heard of. I've only experience with Marti's and a Ga quail egg company I can't remember the name of right now. My first order was with Marti's many years ago. They did me right and I've stayed with them, always satisfied. http://www.martipoultry.com/ How about posting about ones you've done business with so we can all be more enlightened?
I've gotten all of my poultry from Ideal. They have a huge selection and great prices, but don't expect show quality. Order extras and cull the undesirable ones.
I have ordered from McMurray and purchased from TSC who got the stock form Privitt and Ideal. I would probably not order from McMurray again. They were good to deal with but I would select a hatchery that was closer to me. Marti is one I would probably try if I did not hatch myself. I have wanted to try some of their Cherry Eggers or some of the other Hybrids they sell. Whelp has been recomended by several people as well. The folks around me usually get their stock from MT Healthy.
I can't say I have a favorite. In the past we purchased birds from a local feed store who got their stock from Townline Hatchery in middle michigan area. We were happy with them until last spring when two of the girls had deformities and the roos were absolutely batty. Nothing major but still gave us pause in regards to their breeding practices. This year we have an order in at McMurray, which is just one state away, and have been very happy with their customer service. We changed the order twice already, and they were very accomodating. I do think there is something to be said for ordering from nearby places so there is less stress on the chicks for transit time. Show quality stock would be cool, but we are just not set up nor have the room to start our own breeding program.
I've been with McMurray ever since the first time I tried them around 2005/2006. I can't remember ever having any DOAs. The only gripe that I have is that it seems they sometime send that "free rare-breed chick" (invariably a rooster) even when I uncheck the box that says DON'T SEND IT! and then I end up with a useless feed-eater that I just have to cull later.