Hey everyone! I've ordered from Ideal several times, and haven never been unhappy with the results!
All my losses were my problem, inexperienced.
I've read through this thread a little. It doesn't bother me that their pictures don't look like the results.
I always liked their stock better than Privett's... And the chicks seem to be a little less nervous when they get here. ^^
Lat year, I ordered 8 Buff Brahma females and 2 Buff Brahma males. Of two of those hens, they were excellent quality if only they were a lot bigger, but they had what I liked: Fluffy, wide, and cute. X3 My rooster wasn't as good, but he's a sweetheart! And he's better than some hatchery birds I've seen!
They seem, with some breeds, good for breeding stock. Others could use improvement, but are a great place to start!
And guess what? I've bred my Brahmas and I got a good quality chick, better than her mom! She's bigger and has better build and stuff.
I want to order from them next year, but their website is having problems... Meh.
I'll see what pictures I can find. 8D
You can't see her too well, but here was my best hen! She escaped and I haven't seen her since, but she was almost perfect. She just needed to be bigger is all! Her name was Lilifey!
My Brahmas are sweethearts and lay pretty well, that's what I like the most! Though I do love their feathers and bigness.
I've wanted some Cornish but I've heart people say that their stock isn't very good. I love big, wide, muscled, compact chickens. They're fun to hug! 8D
Earlier someone posted some pics of beautiful Speckled Sussex. I love all the white spots!
And OEG's are tempting too. But I can't look at all the colors Ideal has, sad face.
Ideal seems decent for starting out show stock when you're looking at a breed and variety that no one seems to raise. XD