Mcmurray~Positive experiences wanted~

[coopist]

I've not ordered from MM for 10 years or so, but when I did, I got healthy chicks. All of my hatchery orders have been healthy, if not the greatest breed specimens. I've ordered from both Mt. Healthy and McMurray and found stock comparable. I've never ordered chicks before April.

I do believe that chilling could be involved in many of the issues we've been reading about lately, but I've been following the threads carefully, and I will say that some of the people tell stories that do not line up with chilling as a sole cause of their problems. So far, I think vaccination is the issue in those cases, but we'll soon find out.

Whatever the cause, it is not a reason to bash McMurray, who is still shipping plenty of successful orders, and no doubt will continue to do so.

 

[Yogiman]

On a positive note, I placed an order for 36 chicks with McMurray in Jan. They scheduled the order to be delivered Mar. 12. They then called and asked permission to ship them Feb. 17. I agreed to do so.
The weather at the hatchery was frigid cold at the time of shipment. All 36 chicks arrived safe and sound with no DOA's. It was obvious to me that there were 4 chicks that were small and weak. Within 48 hours the 4 expired.
The remaining 32 chicks are healthy and doing fine. I am very pleased with the order and will reorder from them in the future.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

I haven't ordered from them for a few years, but when I did, my chicks were mostly healthy and happy. Lost a few to pasty butt and a few bantams, I believe got trampled on by the bigger chicks. Lesson learned, now I keep them the bantams and standards separated.

 

[Luckylash7]

one of my 4H families got a mixed barnyard assortment of chicks from MM. They got 28 for their 25 chicks. Two died right away. They are 5 weeks old now. The ratio of Roos to hens seems to be almost half. We count 11 roosters. The breeds on the other hand.....were having a hard time triyng to figgure out a few! When they say mixed assortment they are not kidding!

 

[RedTailRanch]

I am one of the unlucky ones who has several chicks that have the "mystery illness". I have not had chickens since I was a kid, and this is the first time I have ordered online, and from MM. I do have to add though, that I have read many, many books and online bulletin boards to help prepare me for my chick arrival.

Even though I am having problems, I have to say that my experience with MM has been a good one. I spoke with Ruth at MM yesterday and she was very sympathetic and sweet. I let her know that I was having problems with some chicks and also informed her of this website and the discussion that was going on. She was happy to take down the info and said she would make sure to pass it on to the owners. She was personally unaware of any problems, and I was the first person that had spoken with her about it. Nevertheless, she said that they would do whatever it takes to make it right. They have been very professional with me and have offered to refund or replace any chicks that I am having problems with.

She also said that it was such a bad winter, weather-wise, in Iowa that she herself has waited to get her chicks until May. She also mentioned that hypothermia during shipping might cause ongoing problem with chick development and survival rate.

Until I know for sure what is causing this, I am not blaming MM. This is so unfortunate that ao many of us are having this problem, and my heart goes out to everyone who is watching these poor little chicks struggle (like I am).

One last thing. I also have one chick from that MM order that has literally not grown AT ALL. She is now 19 days old and is the exact same size as the 1 day old chicks I just got yesterday from my local feed store. I believe that she is my Golden Penciled Hamburg. She does NOT have any of the "mystery illness" symptons, but her small size frightens me. Any thoughts on this? I'm wondering if it plays into either the "cold" theory or the "vaccine" theory.

Also, just for the record:

-Chicks hatched 3/1/08 at 2:55am, arrived at P.O. 3/3/08 at 7:20am
-24 chicks (2 DOA, 2 more weak, died within 24 hours, 2 more weak, died within 48 hours)
-Several varieties. Only chicks with NO symptoms are the Anconas, the Black Minorcas,
and a Partridge Rock.
-Leg problems and balance issues showed up around 7-10 days in 11 chicks.
-Severity ranges (on a scale from 1-10, 10 being worst) from 1 to 9
-All chicks vaccinated for Marek's and Coccidiosis
-All chicks on Grow Gel first day
-All chicks on Quick Chick since day one (although I mistakenly was giving them half dose
for first two weeks, hope that wasn't the reason)
-All chicks on fresh, non medicated feed

Thanks everybody!

 

[mario2girls]

i received my very first order of 26 on sunday only 1 loss,,,doing great very happy,,,,

 

[farm_mom]

I'm one of the people who has sick chicks this time around. But, I have ordered from McMurray for years and my parents ordered from them for years with minimal loss. I had never received a dead chick before this year. On the whole, I have been happy with my experiences with MM and have recommended them to others. And even though I am currently having a most unpleasant experience with these chicks, I have not cancelled my current orders for ducks and turkeys from this hatchery. Based on my past experiences with this hatchery, I am willing to give them furthur opportunities prove my somewhat shaken trust in them.

 

[mergmet]

I have ordered from MM 4 times, 3 last year and one this year

last year I had 2 orders with 1 or less who didn't make it,
the third order I lost about 10, which they instantly credited me for and I received replacements with my next order

the order I got monday (March 17) was not as lucky. I lost about 18 or 48 - rare breeds who I have had trouble shipping from other hatcheries also.

customer service at MM have been exceptional, gracious, understanding, and willing to do anything to make it right

I would recommend this company, even having received dead chicks in the past. There are too many variables to expect perfect chicks every time.

I have also ordered this year from Meyer. same situation. 1 dead on one order this year, about 14 dead on the other (193 chicks in that one) They were also most gracious and credited me instantly with no hassle - with Meyer I emailed in my issues and got the same response, then followed up the next week with a call to the company

I think their intentions are good, and so far they have done nothing to indicate that the integrity and intent to do good business is there.

go ahead! place your order! I would

M

 

[chels23]

I ordered 25 chicks and when they arrived in late February they had given me two extra chicks. All of them have been doing fine. All happy and healthy! If I had to I would order from them again.

 

[mommy9994]

I ordered the "all heavies" roos last fall for the freezer. They all survived shipping-- the only ones that died were my fault (it got chilly one night, and I didn't have enough heat on them, 3 got smushed). They also sent me the 1 "rare" rooster-- I don't know what he is, but he sure is pretty!

Out of 26, I think 12 were barred rock, a few were buff orps?, some were slw, and the rest RIR. I sold a SLW and a RIR, kept 1 SLW and the "rare", and the rest are in the freezer.

This year I ordered from Meyer hatcher because they are closer, and less expensive. I should get them on Tuesday-- can't wait!!