Actually, the ones we got from Tractor Supply were in perfect condition. I may have not been clear. The 2 with the feather issues are from a hatchery, but it reminded us of a chicken version of a puppy mill. The larger Orpingtons looked like miniature ostriches - they were HUGE - and then there was our tiny Rain hiding in the corner. I grabbed her and said, "We're taking this one home." There was poop everywhere. The chickens looked panicked and vacant. They smelled so bad. I don't mean they stunk because they had poop on their feet. I mean their skin and feathers smelled foul. It took forever to be able to pick them up and not gag. Now, they smell like ours - like nothing. when ours see us coming toward the run or coop, they run up to us because they assume we are either going to give them a treat or at least talk to them. If we come up to the coop or run and just start talking to them, they will gather around and follow our every move. Believe it or not, the Tractor Supply here keeps their chick area clean and the chicks sell so fast that there's no fighting issues. When they get new chicks, they're generally gone with 72 hours.
