Good online chick hatcheries?

[terrilhb]

We got our 1st chicks from McMurray. 27 and they all arrived in perfect health. I have not dealt with any others so I can not say. Just know McMurray is awesome. I have called them many times with questions and they are always helpful and nice. My personal opinion them. Good luck with whoever you go with.

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

I LOVE My Pet Chicken. I got my 3 EEs from them. They haven't started laying yet but were all completely healthy when they arrived, none got pasty butt or any other issues growing up and are now happy, pudgy looking feather heads!

Also, to clarify, MPC does drop shipping from several hatcheries (at least two were mentioned in another thread, I think they actually use three or four suppliers) and mine came from CT directly so the do have some of their own that they sell.

I will say this though; you will almost always get better quality going to a local breeder. Just keep in mind that you may be able to find exactly what you want by googling local poultry associations. The CO Poultry Association even had a page listing out breeders, what breeds they had, phone numbers and email addresses. Helps you support the local community and get a bird that's been breed for more that sheer egg laying ability (like a sweeter temperment or more defined barring).

 

[cbeth95]

Quote:
Thanks! I'll try The CO Poultry Association.

 

[kitchwitch]

Quote:
Sounds good. I'm mainly afraid of DOA.

I completely understand. I imagine that in my situation, she was probably just a smaller chick that was unfortunately caught underfoot during the long journey from TX to PA. Could the situation have been avoided if we lived closer or were able to order a smaller amount of chicks? maybe, maybe not.

 

[Appaloosa Hill Farm]

I've ordered from Ideal plenty of times and have no complaints at all. They were extremely friendly and helpful. I got the birds I wanted as well as several packing peanuts (we don't mind them--they go to freezer camp). Had only one death in over 100 birds ordered. A friend and I went in together last year on an order to Cackle and I was terribly disappointed. When we got the birds, 6 we ordered were missing because of a shortage. The hatchery added in extras of the other types we'd ordered, but there were physical flaws in a couple. Those died within 24 hours. I wasn't impressed and will continue to order from Ideal. Good luck with your chick ordering! I always have a hard time making up my mind, lol!

 

[cbeth95]

Whoops. I posted two messages

 

[cbeth95]

Quote:
Sounds good. I'm mainly afraid of DOA.

I completely understand. I imagine that in my situation, she was probably just a smaller chick that was unfortunately caught underfoot during the long journey from TX to PA. Could the situation have been avoided if we lived closer or were able to order a smaller amount of chicks? maybe, maybe not.

Exactly. The unknown kills me. I think I would worry about them too much. Maybe an online buy isn't best for me.

 

[dianaross77]

I recently contacted Ridgway Hatcheries about Muscovy Ducks. I wanted sexed ducklings and really don't want 15. I emailed them in the hopes that I could go and pick them up. It's a 3 hour drive but I haven't had any luck anywhere else. They emailed me back the next day to say that yes you can pick up birds from them and you can buy any number you want and you can pay extra to have the ducklings sexed. Yay! So, it's worth a try to find a hatchery close to you and ask questions.