I had a wonderful experience with them last year. I ordered 25 Buff Orpingtons, they sent 28. I also ordered 5 Bantams, and they sent 6, plus the one mystery chick. The Orpingtons were an exact split: 14 roos and 14 hens. Whatever are the chances of that happening again...... *L* But all the chicks were healthy and active. I would definitely order from them again.
My McMurray birds were a lot less friendly than my Cackle birds. Maybe it was the breed but they were very noticeably less friendly. Other than that, they're fine.
I got my order in April of 2008. Ordered the Rainbow Layers. got 26... within 3 days, 11 were dead. Of the survivors they grew up to be big pretty layers, but the Barred Rocks were bossy and mean.
I got 25 from them. I only have 1 that turned out to be a roo. Not bad! The only ones that are not friendly are the Australorps (one of which is my roo). If I have to order again, it will definately be from McMurray.
Back when we used to order from hatcheries we would always have the worst luck and a few times had the company reship. However we never had 100% survival rate. Without sounding rude I would try and check local as your survival rate is usually much better and you get better quality birds. May even find some people who have birds you cannot get from a hatchery! If you do order keep an eye on pasty butt and be sure to put sugar in their water. Brandon and Heather
thechickengoesRAWR do you think you can tell us what kind it is and we could probably tell you what its behavior is like and that stuff.
Ordered years ago (50 Barred Rocks) and ended up with 3 roos in a bunch of pullets. Birds were OK. Just got 25 bantams in June 2009 & all 27 chicks were alive when I got them (26 SP Rocks & one silver sebright). I lost 2 SPRs at 2 and 3 days, but the rest all survived (12 hens & 13 roos) until yesterday when 12 roos went to freezer camp. They started laying at 17 weeks & I have been getting up to 6 eggs a day. These bantams are pretty nice for hatchery birds & super friendly. I am sure it depends on the breed, but I am happy.
I orders 75 from them last year. I think it was 75. McMurrarys is GREAT!!!!! They were always helpful and pleasant on the phone. I am only about 150-200 miles from them so I think that really helps. We only lost 2-3 chicks and those were after the guarantee period. All the chicks have been healthy and happy and fun little chickens. I also hatched out some more birds the end of August and lost none. The shipping just puts so much stress on those little babies. If you can hatch your own, do it. If you need to order chicks I've been very impressed with McMurray. Really look at why you want chickens. IF you want to have show quality or breeding quality your really not giong to get what you are looking for from a hatchery. That said, ALL my kids 4H birds are coming from McMurrary. if they get more serious and what to start showing and breed shows outside of 4H we will find high quality birds from breeders. Good Luck and Happy Shopping. My husband is royally ticked I orders another 45 for next spring. Order early at McMurrary if you need certain birds and certain times. They sell out quick.
McMurray, is where we order ALL of our birds from. The folks go out of the way to answer the same stupid questions that I ask every time. So far as mortality rates goes, if you will have those chicks vaccinated for coccidios(sp), you won't loose many at all.
