Mail Order Chicks

I have only ordered from one. McMurray. Of the 26 they sent, one was a poor example of a Delaware roo.
11 of the 25 died within three days. (They were having a problem back then and I think they've resolved it)

Those that survived were wonderful, Barred Rocks, White Rock, Partridge Rocks, Rhode Island Reds.

Cackle has a good reputations.

I've also seen great things from Marti Poultry.

 

I've used Ideal Poultry, and had great luck with them. Also, our feed store uses them as well.

 

I ordered from McMurray once and out of the 25 I got, only one was dead on arrival. If I was going to order from a hatchery again, I would definitely do a little research and see how they treat their chickens that are alive and how they euthanize the baby roos that get killed immediately (due to the large number of people wanting pullets). The one positive thing I can say about McMurray is they are upfront about the method they use (they gas them), which I think is more humane than throwing the baby chicks in a grinder while still alive. Don't mean to sound morbid, but I think we should support the hatcheries that have the most humane practices. I haven't done a ton of research so I don't have any definitive answers, I'm just suggesting you might want to. I also try to order from people that are as close to me as possible, so the little birds don't have to travel far and risk injury/death. I think efowl.com takes that into account. Alot of companies won't ship only 2-3 babies due to the fact they need to have several to keep each other warm, etc. during transist. Best bet might be a feed store, or craigslist, or go in with some other people on an order...
Good luck to you.

 

I've used Nature's Hatchery -- they were really wonderful. I did pay a premium for a small order -- but it was important to me to get the breeds I wanted AND for them to not have to travel overly far. I think it stresses them out unnecessarily. I've heard good things about Mt Healthy Hatchery and My Pet Chicken.

Are there breeders in your area? You might get better quality chicks from someone local who is knowledgeable and professional -- I wouldn't go with just anybody.

I guess my point is that there are other factors besides accurate gender selection.

Jenny

 

I just ordered from Cackle as they have a smaller minimum (15) Ill definately post what they look like on Friday

 

Yeah, I also agree with Jenny. Lots of things to consider. Ideally, getting some local would be the best, if you can.

 

I ordered from My Pet Chicken last year. Shipping was high, but the box had a lining of straw, and a heat pack underneath the straw. The chicks were also given some Grow Gel to make sure they were hydrated in transit. All fifteen arrived safe and healthy, and all of them were pullets. The pullets have all turned out to be good layers, and although they are by no means show quality, look like the breed that they are supposed to be. If I were to place another small order, I'd go with them.

 

I originally wanted 3. I ordered 3, got a call that I couldn't only order 3 because I was just outside city limits- so I had to add 2 more on. I ordered from My Pet Chicken. The original 5 are now outside, and growing wonderfully. I ordered only pullets, and I suspect my Barred Rock is a Roo. If you really only want pullets the best thing I can suggest is to get a sex-link of some kind (where the males are different colors than the females at hatch- I think thats what it means! lol) that would ensure you getting no roo's! Even getting chicks from feed stores and places like that around here the minimums I've seen have been 6-12. What you could do is check out craigslist in your area, then you wouldn't have to worry about shipping at all. Lots to think about! Good luck!