Hoover's Hatchery~ Mt. Healthy Hatchery~ Double R Supply

[Mag16]

My sister and I want to order chicks and I was looking at different hatcheries. I thought I had settled on Ideal. I ran across these hatcheries: Hoover's Hatchery, Mt. Healthy Hatchery, and Double R Supply. Has anyone ordered from them? Opinions?

Thanks!

edited for spelling

 

[CARS]

Quote:
I've ordered almost every year, something, or another from Hoover's Hatchery. Never had a problem or disappointment.

You may want to wait for other TX responses though. It is a cross country trip. That's the reason I order from them. Close by.

 

[GraceAK]

Isn't ideal in Texas? They always pack their chicks with care, and pack extras too. They also have a really great selection of different breeds, even if some of the rarer chicks are less than show quality (but that differs bird to bird and isn't unusual at all).

 

[CARS]

Quote:
Yes it is in TX. Just because of logistics, I would order from them if they have the breeds you want.

 

[txredneckmedic]

i personally love ideal

 

[Brindlebtch]

I like Ideal, too.

 

[lilcrow]

I saw pictures of some adult porcelain d’Uccles that a gal received from Ideal as chicks, and I was shocked at their quality. I'm not much for buying from hatcheries anymore (for myself), but for some of the really rare breeds it is sometimes unavoidable. Some folks who are not looking to show or breed, can do very well getting their stock from hatcheries. From what I've seen Ideal is very good.
I've also heard good things about Murray McMurray Hatchery, http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/day_old_baby_chickens.html Again it depends on what you're looking for.
My personal experience with Mt. Healthy in Ohio, (man, I hope I don't get in trouble for saying this here) is they don't always give you what you ask for. When it comes to bantams in particular, you pretty much have to take what they give you, there is no way to specify what you want and know for sure that's what you're going to get. I got some chicks last year that were sold as OEGB, when they matured, they were mutts. I have a beautiful mille fleur d’Uccle hen from Mr. Healthy and I do mean beautiful; but she's evil....absolutely terrible disposition so I won't be breeding her no matter how pretty she is.
I'd say, like the others have, if Ideal has the breeds you want, I'd go with them. The fact that they are the closest to you is no small factor and they have a good reputation, that's a lot of positives in their column.

 

[CARS]

While we may be getting off topic about discussing McMurry, I didn't have very good luck with the quality from their assortment. I'm happy with them as pet quality, but as you can read from others responses, https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=279203 I haven't gotten too many complements on their quality.

 

[jaboo81]

I am from TX and have used Ideal because how close they r and have had good luck with them so far!

 

[kycklingmamma]

I have used Ideal in the past year and highly recommend them, they package the birds well and warm..