Should I add chicks from a hatchery?

[Corban]

I am now the proud new parent of 5 BCM's, 3 Black Orps, which are 3 days old, and 3 Black/Blue Silkies, which are 5 days old. All the birds came from local breeders and they are beautiful.

The local feed store is going to be getting some Easter Eggers from a hatchery on Thursday. I called to see if they were vaccinated or not as my new chicks are not. They stated to me that the birds they are getting are not vaccinated, which is a plus. I understand that there is always some sort of risk when integrating new chicks from different sources but are the chances of something happening low enough to make it worth getting the EE's?

What are your thoughts? Thanks!

 

[CowgirlPenny]

If they are from a hatchery and you don't have like 500 birds, chances are yours will be fine. I intentionally chose to not have mine vaccinated. All of my chicks are hatchery chicks (from three different hatcheries)

I would be more inclined to mix in hatchery birds than chicks from a source like Craigslist or something. Enjoy your new chicks. I have three EE's they are great!

 

[crazygoatlady915]

EE's are worth it! They lay green eggs (a +) and they exhibit very smart, dignified (and a little bit prissy) attitudes. My friend has also had a lot of luck with super-broody ee's, if that's what you are interested in.

 

[faykokoWV]

remember, vacinated or not, they can still have MS/MG if coming from most hatcheries. Still probably less chance of disease than just buying of Craigs list.
If you want to buy local, I would suggest trying to find someone that is NPIP certified at least.

 

[Corban]

Thanks for all the advice. I checked the Hatcheries Website and they are NPIP so that is more assuring.

I am leaning toward going for it. I think the greenish colored eggs will be a great compliment to the group.

 

[Muggsmagee]

With all of the people coming in and out of TSC that have chickens and handle the chicks, etc, you are still likely to bring some disease home unintentionally. I'm not sure what everyone has against craigslist, but lots of breeders use it to advertise their chicks for sale...even breeders that are NPIP!

If you like the EE's, get them. They are just as wonderful as any other breed/mix out there!

 

[jason_mazzy]

If you call ahead you can pick up chicks as soon as the chicks get there, before anyone touches them.

 

[Corban]

Easter Eggers are coming in tomorrow morning. I will be at work but my wife volunteered her services and will pick some out to bring home.

Here's to a healthy flock