I haven't ordered from a hatchery since the early 1990s. No problem ordering, it just works out easier for me now that the local feed store regularly stocks a greater variety of chicks. I can walk in at a moments notice and buy Rhode Islands, Black Sexlinks, Red Sexlinks, Barred Rocks, White Rocks, White Leghorns at day old chick prices, and they may be several weeks old. In Sept I purchased 10 left over Barred Rock pullets 6 weeks old for $3 ea. This can also be a problem if you happen to pass the feed store with the "red hots" for some new chickens. You can pull in, 10 minutes later be headed home with a whole big box of chicks, all without thjinking it completely through. Best deal I ever made was 5 years ago, I bought 35 left over 3 month old Barred Rock straight runs for $40, got'em at that price on the condition that I take all of'em. My local feedstore can and will special order what ever you want, delivered usually the next Wednesday. That a way I don't have to wait on the postman, or if I am scheduled to work, they are their to recieve the chicks.
When I did order from a hatchery I used Murray. These were the days before internet and computer communication. I would mail in my order form with a money order attached, they would then mail me a confirmation with shipping date attached. About one week before shipping I'd get a reminder in the mail. Then I would drive by my postal RFD lady's place and tell her I was expecting chicks. Yes! That's right I would go by her home and let her know. Usually the day the chicks came in, she would bring them straight on out to me first thing in the morning. Better than Christmas!
Murray never dissappointed me, pretty much got what I ordered, for when I ordered it.
