Hatchery or Breeder?

[Damiana]

I definitely have my picks for breeds, but I've had some difficulty deciding exactly how I'm going to get the chickens I want. I live in Northeastern Oklahoma (Stilwell), not too far from the Arkansas state line. We definitely have our fair share of Co-ops that I could order from, but I'm dead set on the breeds I want. I would like healthy chicks, but not a huge amount of them. I've looked at a couple of Breeders in the general area, but I'm nervous about getting started speaking with someone about chicks, and about the availability of them. We have plenty of Poultry Swaps in the area as well, I'm fairly sure even one in town. I've also got an order in my basket waiting for me from Meyer Hatchery, and I'm really considering ordering the chicks from them, because it seems they have great reviews, fair prices, I can get all my chicks at one time, and get the ones I'm looking for (except a wide variety of Bantam Cochins, which I will have to find from a breeder probably). The only thing I worry about concerning Meyer is the distance from Ohio that we are. Should I look for a hatchery closer to Oklahoma? Is there one, and is it any good? Or are there some friendly breeders of a wide variety of chicks on BYC that could help me?

 

[Overoberyl]

If you are just looking to have a backyard flock, and not really looking to show or breed, then hatchery is a fine choice. Have you looked at Ideal?, They have Bantam Cochins, not sure about the availability but they've been running assortment specials. Go to "shop online", then to "advertised specials", then "weekly specials". They have great customer service and are a pleasure to work with. Oh, and they are in TX. Good luck!

http://www.idealpoultry.com/

 

[StewedMammal]

Cackle Hatchery has a bunch of bantam cochin breeds and many other breeds of bantams and standard breeds. They are located in Missouri and have very good stock. Their website is www.cacklehatchery.com if you'd like to check them out.