hoovers hatchery; do you recommend it?

[MissE]

I have a friend who works at the local Bomgaars store & she is also their seasonal "chick lady". Just last year over more than half of Hoover's Hatchery chick shipments were dead before they even arrived to the store. Their lack of responsibility is very disappointing. They lost my business, that's for sure.

Well, if they are that bad, they won't be in business long. I will continue ordering, as I have only had good experiences and they are closest hatchery to me. The longer the shipping distance, the more problems there can be. They can't control the shipping company.

 

[589205]

Well, if they are that bad, they won't be in business long. I will continue ordering, as I have only had good experiences and they are closest hatchery to me. The longer the shipping distance, the more problems there can be. They can't control the shipping company.

Have you ever seen how they handle their baby chicks before they ship them?

 

[MissE]

Have you ever seen how they handle their baby chicks before they ship them?

No, have you? You posted about chicks being DOA after being shipped and poor customer service when you called. Do you now have new information to post about chick treatment at the hatchery that you didn't share previously?

 

[589205]

It's pretty bad. The only reason they're still in business is because like what you said...they're the nearest hatchery with a bunch.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

All my birds are from TSC, which in my area means Hoovers. Out of about 40 purchased to date, various breeds, I've lost two to "failure to thrive" in the 48 hours post purchase. Every other loss to my flock has been severe injury, predation, or culling for my table.

Are any of the birds show quality? Hells no. Are they spectacular examples of the breed? Again, hells no. But if you want the chicken equivalent of a base model Chevy Impala 4-door w/ automatic and A/C, Hoover's chicks will do you just fine. And priced accordingly.

Mine are breeding adequately (10 of 12 hatched from the latest incubation - #11 was fully developed but orient 180 and passed, never pipped, 8 of 12 the incubation prior), yesterday 20 laying chickens gave me 20 eggs (15 is more typical), and they are neither skinny nor massive for their breed.


Current Flock in signature, below.

 

[589205]

All I'm saying is that the reality of it is any bird they have is far better off being in more responsible hands.

 

[MissE]

It's pretty bad. The only reason they're still in business is because like what you said...they're the nearest hatchery with a bunch.

Before you trash a well known hatchery, do you have proof of the allegations? The goal posts seem to be moving. Again, first it was customer service following chicks you received. Then it was a story about a friend who works where chicks are delivered and then sold. Now you know how they are treated at the hatchery? Which is it? If you are simply unhappy with their product and service, don't purchase from them again. Free market is a beautiful thing.

 

[589205]

Before you trash a well known hatchery, do you have proof of the allegations? The goal posts seem to be moving. Again, first is was customer service following chicks you received. Then it was a story about a friend who works where chicks are delivered and then sold. Now you know how they are treated at the hatchery? Which is it? If you are simply unhappy with their product and service, don't purchase from them again. Free market is a beautiful thing.

I truly applaud your faith in them and hope they continue exceeding your expectations. I'd rather not "trash" or ruin anything for you, but for the record please read some of their other customers recent rating reviews on Google. Believe it or not, you will find out that quite a few of them are in the low ratings section specifically because of dead chicks, bad service and horrible shipping.*

 

[tigger19687]

I truly applaud your faith in them and hope they continue exceeding your expectations. I'd rather not "trash" or ruin anything for you, but for the record please read some of their other customers recent rating reviews on Google. Believe it or not, you will find out that quite a few of them are in the low ratings section specifically because of dead chicks, bad service and horrible shipping.*

All that you have said, which seems to be 2nd hand knowledge since your posts are short and incomplete, you can say about ALL the hatcheries. They are Bulk hatcheries and treat all the birds the same way.
Most of the issues are with the Shipping and P.O.
And your Friend should have gone to P.O. to pick up the chicks so I can't truly believe the story.

 

[589205]

All that you have said, which seems to be 2nd hand knowledge since your posts are short and incomplete, you can say about ALL the hatcheries. They are Bulk hatcheries and treat all the birds the same way.
Most of the issues are with the Shipping and P.O.
And your Friend should have gone to P.O. to pick up the chicks so I can't truly believe the story.

Who's best interest are you serving by buying from bulk hatcheries?