Hi everyone!
Well, after reading everyone's input (especially Blooie. loved how clearly you answered) I decided this year to go with MPC. Tried another small (actual hatchery) batch shipper last year and tho the birds did arrive healthy, 2 of 5 BA's turned out to be roos and I was not happy at all with the size and temperment of the pullets as they grew up. Due to losses over the summer I have too much room in my coop (we really can't have THAT now can we?) and decided to try a small order again that's when I stumbled across MPC. Did my research on line and then of course came back to BYC to check with the real experts. So, yesterday I placed my order. Since I live in the land of frozen tozen, I needed first to make sure their packaging would keep my babies warm, check! Next, a good shipping date (s) for them up here, check! Good customer service, check. Then, a breed (s) that would do well up here and blend with my BA's. Check, (I hope). I decided to go with a breed I have zero experience with but looked absolutely gorgeous and fit my criteria (again I hope). I chose Silver Laced Wyandotte. Had to order 6 because of my zone but that's ok. (But honey, I had to order six, honest! hehehe) I do have room for that many but it will put me to the max. Fingers crossed there are no roos (hubby has a thing about them) but if they turn out half as pretty as the pics, re-homing a roo would not be a problem. My birds cannot be delivered before May 2nd so I have a long time to tap my toes but that is really the best time for them to arrive. Earlier could be really risky for us. Wish me luck!!!!