mail order or feed store???

[mikecnorthwest]

There's no substitute for having a relationship with a local business, whether its for chicks or some other item/service. You get the added advantage of getting to know someone who can answer questions, deal with any problems, and you're supporting a local business. I live in the Portland metro area so I've got probably half a dozen feed stores within 20 miles who sell baby chicks. If you don't have a local source, then of course a hatchery order would be a great option.

 

[sourland]

My first choice would be a local breeder closely followed by a 'custom order' from my local feed store.

 

[zstewart123]

I also agree with ordering local. First I will alway support local businesses. Second. You know they are alive when you get them. 100% every time. The feed store will also have breeds that are easily in the area you live. I am lucky to have a great feed store near by.

 

[Illia]

I say buy local, NOT at feedstores.

Getting chicks from a feedstore just means you've skipped over the seeing who died, who's in stress part. They're still hatchery chicks that were shipped to where you see them now.


Buying from a backyard breeder though means you see how the parent stock is treated, the chicks you buy were not shipped, and there's a good chance you'll have more choices too, since some breeders offer what hatcheries don't. Now, they don't offer a ton of things at once which is actually a good thing, but, that's when if you want something else you look for another breeder nearby.

Oh, and best of all, the person you buy the chicks from actually knows what went into that chick

Now, there's still liars and people who just don't know much about chickens, but there's also some very nice, very dedicated people out there. The best part in buying from local backyard owners is that you can ask questions and not get an "I don't know, I just sell them" for an answer.

 

[stone_family3]

If those were my only two options I'd go with a feed store. I like to pick my chicks.

However I would try CL, you'll get great deals. Last year I bought four chicks off someone and they threw in 2 egg layers.

 

[vintageozarks]

I am getting my chicks at a hatchery in Lebanon Missouri which is about a 90 minute drive from my place. That way the chicks don't have to sit in a shipping box with all the trauma that must involve nor am I limited to what our MFA has going this year.

 

[MadabtChickens]

I am getting my chicks at a hatchery in Lebanon Missouri which is about a 90 minute drive from my place. That way the chicks don't have to sit in a shipping box with all the trauma that must involve nor am I limited to what our MFA has going this year.

I didn't know you were allowed to pick the chicks up from Cackle. There's another option for me. But as I said before I will buy local first.

 

[runsw/scissors]

I've done it both ways. on the whole I prefer to buy from someone in my area... less stressful for everyone (including the chicks).

It really just depends on what you want and whats available...

 

[DCasper]

Call me old fashioned, but I like being able to talk in person with somebody I am doing business with. I know there are some great alternatives such as Murray McMurray, and I will do business with them due to their excellent reputation. But, to start out new...I would go with the feed store that already knows about chickens and their suppliers. Good luck...

 

[perchie.girl]

I need to order from out of state. The two blood lines I want are on the east coast. I have spoken online with both and have total confidence in their quality. If i get good at hatching then I will do all my mail order purchases in eggs.

San Diego is kind of No mans land for both draft horse supplies and hatcheries. So I have to get creative.