question on Meyer Hatchery breeds

[newfmadible]

I am planning for my first flock this spring.

After reading a ton on this site I have seen repeatedly that some of the chicks from hatcheries are not necessarily true to the breed standards. I will be gettting my chicks from Meyer Hatchery as they are close enough for pick up rather than shipping. I am interested in getting a variety, but want docile, friendly, easily handled birds for my first experience. I am very interested in the "heritage" breeds too. I plan on starting with only pullets. My current list of possibilities: Dominique, Delaware, Buckeye, EE, Orpington Buff, Welsummer, Brahma, Australorp. Can anyone share their experience on these breeds from Meyer? Or is there another breed I should consider from this hatchery? There is so much information it is all pretty overwhelming! I have spent HOURS on this site!

 

[hcammack]

Faverolles are great and I got mine from meyer hatchery they fit all your criteria and my marans from meyer area also awsome ! they are both very sweet and nice and great birds !

Henry

 

[Renee]

Take a look at this thread. It asks what breeds you would never have again- very enlightening.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=98287

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
My first batch of chickens, other than our original 7, came from Meyers.
We ordered the Pullet Pack. We ended up with a Speckled Sussex who
is the friendliest chicken we have, a few Australorps, a Buff Orp. an EE
or two, and others we gave away to friends. The quality of the birds
exceeded my expectations. We even have a few offspring from that
group.

Buckeyes and Welsummers are awesome birds too. I can't comment
on Meyers quality for those. Delawares are the same too. I've hatched
all three of those breeds from eggs I got from folks here on BYC.

 

[newfmadible]

Henry,
I had thought about Faverolles but was afraid they would be picked on in a mixed flock. Maybe that is not such an issue? And Marans...They lay the really dark eggs don't they? Oooh...another to consider!

Renee,
I have been following that thread on which breeds folks would NOT have again. Very interesting. It certaibly shows there is a chicken for everyone! What one finds "perfect", the next can't stand!

Purple chicken,
I am so glad to hear you had a positive experience with their chicks. I will have to look into the speckled Sussex. I am not ready to tackle hatching any eggs yet, but would consider if in the future.

 

[hcammack]

Quote:
My head hen is a faverolle and she wasn't even raised with every bird in the flock they are not picked on at all in my very mixed flock with birds that are fairly agressive. My marans lay fairly dark if you want really really dark eggs you have to buy them from a breeder but mine from meyer lay medium dark eggs most of the time which are very pretty!

Good luck with your choices,
Henry