Reliable Hatcheries? /:

[Illia]

Your best bet is to actually just buy local. Look on craigslist for some local chicken breeders or something - Plenty people nearby who sell chicks just as cheap, and thus you don't have to worry about the stress of shipping, sexing, and you can actually see what environment the adult birds are in.

If you're too worried of getting roosters, that's what BYC's What Breed/Gender is this? section is for.

 

[PepsNick]

mypetchicken.com. Feed stores I do NOT trust. Cocci, Marek's, they get their chicks from random people, those are not what I consider reliable, at least the ones I know.

 

[tigercreek]

Is there a tractor supply store in your area? They have a good assortment . Feed stores usually do too. They usually order from the big hatcheries and will have a better variatey. From a hatchery, the shipping on 3 or 4 chicks is going to be expensive. Check local stores or craig's list. You might also check with your extension agent or local schools 4H or FFA clubs ........ ...stan

 

[awesomefowl]

Try a feed store: Agway or Tractor Supply Co. Go to their websites, find a local store, call to see when/if they have chicks, and if you can preorder.
OR: Meyer Hatchery and My Pet Chicken will let you order as little as 3 chicks.

 

[mommathea]

Quote:
not always true......Feed stores especially the chain stores order from the nearest big hatchery in the area. The problems arise when people come in and handle the chicks when they have sick birds back at home.
But the chances are slim that you are going to have massive problems from feed store chicks.

 

[awesomefowl]

Our feed stores order from Mt. Healthy Hatcheries.

 

[nwfl]

Your cooperative extension office may have a link to local breeders. Mine does. My area craigsllist has many sources for poultry some good some scary. Its good to look around locally to see the way other people do things. I have bought good chicks from my feed store who orders locally and from ideal.

 

[dwdoc]

E-Fowl.com.

I have read several negative post about Efowl.com; but I have to say that my experience has been exceptional thus far. They communicated well (even by text message), the birds were shipped well and they ALL arrived alive and appear very healthy.

 

[stilldeb]

I have gotten all of my chickens from My Pet Chicken - they are beautiful, healthy, never had any problems. They will ship small orders, sex them for you, and if you get an "accidental" roo you did not order, will refund your money AND replace it. Our local Rural King has chicks in the Spring and I would never buy one. There are always dead ones in there, it's just gross. I think neglect more than anything, still wouldn't do it. Depends on your situation.

deb g
KY

 

[Mak]

And it depends on where you live. Around here, all the feed stores have signs that becasue of local regulations, you can only by chicks from them in dozen lots. So I can't get just a couple.

I've used My Pet Chicken- good, healthy chicks, arroived quickly, and no losses from shipping/handling.