Hatchery Waiting List- Is this Normal?!

[BlessedChaosHomestead]

We are looking to expand our flock. So started browsing the Hatcheries websites.
I saw a comment on a post a few days ago stating that the hatcheries are booked up till mid-summer or something odd.
But sure enough browsing Cackle, Murray McMurray, Hoovers & Meyers; they're all the way out till Sept for one of the chicks delivery dates.

Is this seriously because of the egg shortage?!
We were hoping to get some specific breeds/types but it's looking like if we want some more it's going to just be whatever the local Co-op, TSC & Rural King have to offer.

 

[samanthaoverton]

Try on here and craigslist..but I know a lot more people are getting into chickens. Also consider getting an incubator. Worse case scenario hatching eggs on ebay.

 

[samanthaoverton]

Also consider to be willing to drive a couple hours for chicks..im looking for rhodebars and ancona eggs myself.

 

[BlessedChaosHomestead]

Try on here and craigslist..but I know a lot more people are getting into chickens. Also consider getting an incubator. Worse case scenario hatching eggs on ebay.

I would love one but can't afford the couple hundred it takes to get one atm.

 

[nuthatched]

It's late in the season for ordering chicks. Most people order by january, I order in November/December. Plus people buy chick for eggs. Check Mt.Healthy, they're not as well known so they have availability.

 

[Iluveggers]

Mt healthy had some March & April dates available on a few breeds, and pretty much all breeds in May. Let us know what you decide!

 

[Percheron chick]

I put in an order at Mt Healthy last week. Earliest date was May 10 for my breeds. They do have earlier dates for some breeds. Not bad when most of the bigger hatcheries are already sold out until late summer. This is not normal. If you need something earlier keep an eye on FB and CL. Unfortunately you will be dealing with straight run and barnyard mixes mostly if you really want a specific breed pullet. I suspect there are many people looking to take advantage of the egg situation and you might find some nice pullets on CL in 2 months.

 

[samanthaoverton]

I would love one but can't afford the couple hundred it takes to get one atm.

I have a knock off for a hundred. It's called a kebbonix. It has a fan and egg turner. And an exterior way to add water. You might want to browse some knock offs. They're not all bad. The kebbonix is basically a knock off of nurture right.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

My Pet Chicken has some shipping out in March. All my girls are from them!

 

[Ponyiqandhens2]

We are looking to expand our flock. So started browsing the Hatcheries websites.
I saw a comment on a post a few days ago stating that the hatcheries are booked up till mid-summer or something odd.
But sure enough browsing Cackle, Murray McMurray, Hoovers & Meyers; they're all the way out till Sept for one of the chicks delivery dates.

Is this seriously because of the egg shortage?!
We were hoping to get some specific breeds/types but it's looking like if we want some more it's going to just be whatever the local Co-op, TSC & Rural King have to offer.

Ideal has a march date open with a fair number of breeds and then not until june