well after losing half my flock to a wild dog.(they were free ranging in my fenced in yard and i was with them) dh and ds have said to get some more. I have never ordered chix before always bought at feed store. i was browsing the mcmurray wish book and fell in love with the ornamental layer collection and slws. Question is is mcmurray as good as every body says they are or should i keep buying from feed store?
It's great to hear you're starting over. I think most hatcheries are pretty comparable and it's pretty likely your feed store orders from a hatchery as well. If you found something you are interested in at McMurray's, I'd say go for it. Shipped chicks go thru more stress, so may need a little extra tlc when they arrive. Picking up at a feed store is sometimes easier for you as well. So it's really just a matter of personal preference. Best wishes for a successful new start!
Thanks Hinkjc, At feed store i never can find the unusual breeds thats why i thought about the layer collection. being in East Texas we have such wierd weather, that all the stores order from Ideal and i just wanted to experiment with ornamentals instead of the same old same olds/
I received my ornamental layers 11/12/09, all the chicks were a little tired, but soon perked up. They are now 4 weeks old and all are healthy and happy. I am thrilled with the quality, as I am a first time Chickie Mama, and have 100% survival rate so far. I will order from them again!!
I think you are going to get a variety of answers with hatcheries. Me personaly I ordered from MyPetChicken.com because they will sent as few as 3 chicks and I only wanted 5 but ordered 7 because what is two more. LOL Mine are all happy and healthy. I had the same problem with our feed stores most only had RIR and red stars just regular breeds. We wanted some eye candy so we got Silver Laced Wyandottes, Golden Laced Wyandottes, and EE then some Black Australorps because they are good layers. I agree with hinkjc if they have something that you like then order from them. Many people like them. Sorry to hear about your last flock. Wishing you best of luck with this flock.
