RIR cockerels from Murray McMurray

[BigECarter]

Does anyone have any experience with ordering juvenile cockerels from MM? I have Marek's, so really need vaccinated birds. We lost our sweet lav orp cockerel a couple of weeks ago (either breeder lied about vaccinating, mishandled the vaccine, or I have a strain resistant to the turkey Marek's vaccine). We also had our first hawk attack the same week. I would like another rooster to help with the free ranging. My vaccinated chicks from MM are doing great, so am thinking about ordering a cockerel from them. Unfortunately, the only breed they offer juvenile roos in is RIR. Not my first choice given that I have small children.

Exploring my options - would love to hear opinions.

E

 

[Cooper Farms]

I have never ordered any birds from them but I live in iowa where they are and have heard nothing but good things about them. I will be ordering some birds this spring to get some diff harder to find breads in my flock

 

[donrae]

Have you checked locally for a grown rooster? In my area, all the birds sold at the feed stores come from hatcheries and are vaccinated. You could give someone's Oops rooster a good home. Maybe try putting your own ad on CL or similar?

 

[BigECarter]

My understanding is that some states require vaccinations and those chicks are vaccinated. Otherwise, the chicks bought at the local farm supply stores are typically not vaccinated.

I have contacted a few people on CL. One not interested in selling my a bird to go into my exposed flock. The other had found a home for their beloved cockerel, and it was killed by a hawk within a couple of days of rehoming. Posting my own ad on CL is a great idea. It is awkward going from the inquiry to the full disclosure. Posting my own ad gives me a way to post my situation and people could respond if they want to give their cockerel a chance at life, risks and all.

The MM cockerels are free ranged, so may have some "street smarts" already. A third option is to add to a chick order that a coworker is placing this spring. She would have to raise him until he's ready to transition to coop - but one small boy in a flock of big girls might be rough.

Fourth option is to go without a rooster until I need to order chicks again in 3-4 years.

 

[donrae]

I guess it just depends on the farm store. It's not law here that I'm aware of, but our local stores chose to vaccinate all chicks. Have you asked your stores?

Of the options you mentioned, I'd go with the chick order. A 4ish month cockerel put in with mature hens is going to learn some manners right quick, and probably be the most respectful rooster you've ever seen lol. He'll take a few months to man up and be the leader, but he will do so.

 

[Beanzie]

I have ordered many chicks from Murray McMurray Hatchery, but no juveniles. Every chick I have ordered was healthy, all alive upon arrival. They are very good about answering any questions you may have, and I believe they have a good product. I have gotten plenty good, healthy birds from them. There may be a more convenient option out there, though, so I would keep looking. But if you do decide I would only imagine they hold the same professionalism with their juveniles as their babies.