Hatchery Poll

[Kacey Elle]

I've only ordered pullets in the past and am thinking seriously about ordering chicks. I would love input on what hatcheries you've used--specifically, I'm looking for short AND long-term health results and accuracy of sexing. Most research seems like people only discuss short-term livability of chicks; while that definitely matters, I also want to know what happened years down the road!

I don't care about show quality at all. It'll be an order of 20 pullets, mixed breeds. The goal is to get birds for eggs/garden assistants/pets.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Sorry never used a hatchery not to say bought some from a farm store first got back into chickens they where hatchery

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I've personally had luck with McMurray, Meyer,Hoover's and MtHealthy

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

never ordered chicks.

 

[Kacey Elle]

I've personally had luck with McMurray, Meyer,Hoover's and MtHealthy

Good to hear that you've had success with so many different places! That's encouraging! Or not, since I've never had chicks before. Hmmm....

 

[Kacey Elle]

Please vote! I need help to pick a hatchery!

 

[Acre4Me]

We've purchased chicks from Meyer 2x. Once was via mail, but they all arrived dead, most likely due to USPS mishandling (based on various specifics), and Meyer refunded all chick costs but not shipping. Second time was in person at their store, from the bargain/extra chick bin. We purchased 7 and all were healthy and continue to be healthy at nearly 5 months old. However, they were all supposed to be sexed females but 2 of the 7 were males. Keep in mind that Meyer has a 100% guarantee on sexing now - not sure if there is cost or time frame constraints with the guarantee, but good to know.

We purchased from a smaller hatchery on your list, but picked them up in person, and 1 out of 17 died within a few days, but the rest (at 11 months) are all very healthy and producing eggs.

Of the hatcheries you list, I would say I've heard good things overall.

You can search this forum (and the raising chicks forum) for the specific hatcheries you list. Then as you read posts, you will see some and may wonder how those chicks are doing. You can tag a BYC person by using @ in front of their user name, like @Kacey Elle

You can see if a poster has been on recently by clicking on their user name...so no need to tag an inactive person. This way you can possibly find out longer term chick/hen health from those who respond.

 

[Kacey Elle]

We've purchased chicks from Meyer 2x. Once was via mail, but they all arrived dead, most likely due to USPS mishandling (based on various specifics), and Meyer refunded all chick costs but not shipping. Second time was in person at their store, from the bargain/extra chick bin. We purchased 7 and all were healthy and continue to be healthy at nearly 5 months old. However, they were all supposed to be sexed females but 2 of the 7 were males. Keep in mind that Meyer has a 100% guarantee on sexing now - not sure if there is cost or time frame constraints with the guarantee, but good to know.

We purchased from a smaller hatchery on your list, but picked them up in person, and 1 out of 17 died within a few days, but the rest (at 11 months) are all very healthy and producing eggs.

Of the hatcheries you list, I would say I've heard good things overall.

You can search this forum (and the raising chicks forum) for the specific hatcheries you list. Then as you read posts, you will see some and may wonder how those chicks are doing. You can tag a BYC person by using @ in front of their user name, like @Kacey Elle

You can see if a poster has been on recently by clicking on their user name...so no need to tag an inactive person. This way you can possibly find out longer term chick/hen health from those who respond.

That's a great idea! Thanks for the info on the hatcheries, as well. I will be using USPS so the shipping issues are concerning. I will tag people to hopefully get updates on health.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I have used Mypetchicken on 2 occasions and each time the staff was very helpful and the chicks arrived at my front door on time and in great condition!

 

[mixedbreeds]

Sorry haven’t used any you listed but I have received nice birds from Dunlap hatchery in Idaho. The only other was a few from my pet chicken had great results and bad results so hit and miss there. I have received excellent chicks from Green Fire Farms but spendy there $$$$