Hatchery

You can try posting this in the "backyard hatcheries" forum, but I think the general consensus around here is that you're not going to get "Show quality" chicks from any large hatchery.

 

That saying means that they don't strive to get good birds, just enough to hatch and fill orders.

This doesnt mean that you can't get good chicks from places like this, just you prob. won't.


I always order from Welp hatchery, love their birds, and GREAT customer service.


Best of Luck

-Austin

 

I ordered from McM and am happy with my birds. They are healthy good layers, but they definitely aren't near show quality if that's what you are aiming for. I really, really doubt you'll get show grade birds from a major hatchery.

 

You will help by qualifying a bit what you mean by quality. There are many hatcheries that have good quality chickens and most folks look for hatcheries that are fairly close as it cuts down on shipping time. I agree Welp has great service and I have had great luck with thier chicks.

One of the things I have enjoyed is searching for the small breeders that focus on very high quality show type true heritage breeds. These chicks are usually more costly, but when you think about the expense of raising chickens the initial cost of buying stock is the least costly part of it.

Once you have your stock started is also easier and more rewarding to sell eggs or chicks (if you hatch) if you have known lines.

I have decided on a couple of breeds and then went about finding the breeders that produce great stock. I truly enjoy this part.

If you want a few hens to lay a few eggs in your back yard most hatcheries are pretty darn good.

JMO

 

I've used Mcmurry and Ideal, and both seem to be good. I would pick the closest one for shipping purposes.

 

Almost all the hatcheries have production birds. Really the only places to find Show breeds are going to the breeders themselves. I showed a few MMC birds and they had disqualifying features.