After reading a few of the posts on which hatcheries to use and which to avoid, I decided to put it to the test. We wanted to add to the flock and get a jump on next years 4H poultry show, so we made a want and quantity list. I placed 4 orders all on the same day, July 30th, by internet and following each hatcheries listed availability, one order each to; McMurray, Cackle, Ideal and Natures hatcheries. They all had similar availability lists and I told each of them that I wanted the chicks the week of Aug 8th thru the 11th. MM, CK and ID all had very reasonable shipping costs, while Natures had rather expensive charges. MM, CK and ID all sent immediate order response emails and it took Natures 3 days to confirm the order. On Aug 6th I called each of them to check on ship dates, MM, CK and ID all were very pleasent to speak with and confirmed thier orders would be shiped Aug 11th. After 3 phone calls and 2 emails to Natures, a very kirt sales person called and left a message that part of the order could not be filled and that the rest would sent the following week, with even more shipping charges for a very small order (17 chicks). I tried twice more to speak to someone and sent 2 more emails, after no response, I cancelled the order by phone again by leaving a message. I did receive the other orders on the 12th and 13th, with CK and MM each sending 2 bonus chicks and ID giving us a 10% discount for being in 4H. The chicks were all alive and appear to be very healthy as well as the corect breeds and colors. I know a lot of people in the 4H club really poo pa the hatchery chicks, but who has the time and money to drive to show after show and or get a hold of this breeder or that breeder. We bought our first batch of 4H chicks from a hatchery in April and came home with 4 Best in Breed, 4 Blue ribbons and 7 Red in July at the 4H fair and we only lost one chick at 6 weeks old. I hope my test helps anyone looking to make a hatchery order. As a note about the chicks arival, I did call the post office and tell them they were coming, because the day before and the day of the arival it was 96 degrees outside with a heat index of 105. Upon getting them home they were given Grow Gell, I also add Vitamins & Electrolytes from TSC (2 tsp per gallon) to thier water and then they were given ManaPro Chick starter for the first 2 days and then moved over to 24% Chick Starter by Dumor, also available from TSC.
