I have not been overly impressed with my Meyers Hatchery experience this summer. I ordered 50 Salmon Faverolle pullets, but when I expected my order to be delivered, I received a phone call from the Meyers Hatchery informing me that they had a "bad hatch" and only 14 of the Faverolle pullets could be delivered. I was offered hatch dates much later in the summer for this type of chicken, which was not helpful. We talked about substituting another breed, and I felt forced to make a decision as soon as possible so the shipment could be made. I didn't like the choices I was given very much, but I settled on 15 Dominique pullets and one Dominique rooster to round out the order to 30.
All 30 chicks arrived alive, but within a week two of the 13 Faverolles died. I separated the feisty Dominiques from the more docile Faverolles, and since them all have survived (which may have been the real reason for the chick mortality). Unfortunately, one of the Favorelle pullets has a severely deformed cross beak, and the "Dominique" rooster and four of the 15 Dom pullets had single combs rather than the rose comb that distinguishes the Dominique from the Barred Rock. In addition, two of the Dom pullets have severely deformed, twisted toes. I have made a consistent effort to provide high quality medicated chick starter, fresh water, and a clean and draft-free cage, so I'm not sure why I have experienced so many problems with deformities and characteristics that not standard to the breed.
To be fair, I am a novice with raising chickens. However, I believe that I have had much healthier chicks from Ideal and Mt Healthy Hatcheries (Cincinnati, Ohio) with characteristics more consistent with the advertised breeds.
When asked by a friend to raise 50 Buff Orpington pullets this month, I immediately chose Mt Healthy. I don't think I'll take another chance on Meyers.
Just my two cents worth.
