Hatchery chicks

[Hot Chick]

What are the chances of all my chicks surviving because right after I ordered them from McMurray hatchery I came on here and all of a sudden I see horrible reviews on the hatchery now I'm really concerned

 

[Percheron chick]

Not good. It's not just a MM Hatchery thing, chicks can be delicate that first week and chicks die just because they can. If you order 25 chicks and you loose 5, I would consider that good. Some breeds are also harder to grow out than others.


I have never bought chicks from them so I can't comment on their chicks specifically.

 

[RJSorensen]

Murray McMurray is an ok place to get birds from. I would not worry about that at all. It is the postal system that will have far more effect on your chicks that any other factor. Bad reviews are a dime a dozen and are often posted by 'newer' folks whom have little or no experience in raising chickens in general. You know, the birds are not doing well, so it must be the fault of the hatchery.

Make sure you are ready for them, the brooder setup and correct temp checked. Water and feed ready to go, heat source secured safely so as to not have a fire. Also, don't give new chicks cold water at first, set out the waterer a day or two in advance so as it can warm up to room temp, cold water and stressed chicks don't go together well.

There are three main parts in this picture, buying from a reliable source, which you have, transportation of which you have NO control over, bored postal workers may play catch with your box, who knows what happens by the look of many received shipments, and your being ready and able to do your 'best' to stabilize them and get them started.

There are many threads on BYC to help you with the setting up and brooding of your birds, I'll throw in that the temp at the height of the chicks backs should be about 99 degrees F. It also needs to be stable and not be able to become unplugged via pets or small/big kids etc.

Anyway best of luck on your birds,

RJ

 

[donrae]

I've always had good luck with MMM. I've ordered from them on and off over the last 10+ years and they're still my hatchery of choice. Shipping chicks is always a risk.

 

[Folly's place]

I've ordered from several hatcheries over the years, and have had very good results from MMM. I also really like their Marek's vaccinations, always have that done. Contact your post office ahead of time, and if you are near the regional postal center, contact them. I'm delighted to be called ANYTIME that the chicks arrive there, and go immediately to pick them up. Here it's been about 6 am, fine with me. I plug in the brooder light as a go out the door! Mary

 

[Realtree4]

I got my chicks from MM this year and they all arrived healthy and alive! I did end up losing 3 but that was spread over a month and for many various reasons! I loved MM....whenever I had an issue, their customer service was wonderful! They were very quick to reimburse me for loses even though it wasn't their fault.

I would definitely order from them gain and like everyone else said....it's more the postal service that's an issue.

 

[rc4u]

when i ordered this year from purly poultry i didnt know where they shipped from but they pick closesed hatchery with all the breeds you order..here is bis. we have a sort facility and post office ..i called sort facility and left my name and number so they could call me when in..well i got the call at 10pm and i went to get them and they all 30 lived...not al towns have sort facility but may have one close and they go there first...so check it out..it saves a day...jeff

 

[RareDuck]

Starting July 15th they ship chicks on Monday. Before that they ship on the weekend which has sometimes caused problems.. Other hatcherys only ship on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to arrive Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

 

[Wantaraisechick]

Them starting to ship on Monday makes them more appealing to me! I have shied away from them in the past for this reason. I like their prices and selection.

 

[tennboy1]

My order ships out today according to there customer service lady. I wonder if it will be in East Tennessee Monday morning ?