Started Pullets from Murray McMurray....experiences?

[chickenlickin8]

I thought I would try ordering 7 started pullets from Murray McMurray Hatchery. They advertise them to be 15 to 22 weeks old. I am adding them to my current flock and didn't want to start with chicks this time.

I'm worried about what the condition of the pullets will on arrival coming by mail in boxes. They up to 3 birds in a box. Do they put food and water in there I'm wondering? It's alot different than day old chicks.

I welcome anyone to share your experience with started pullets by mail.

Thank you! Justine

 

[SunHwaKwon]

They are sent express mail. They are not allowed to put water , just grow-gel or moisture-rich fruit like apples if they want. I would not expect them to arrive in too bad of a condition as long as it is not too hot when they ship. According to USPS they could take up to 2 days to reach you, coming from IA.

 

[chickenlickin8]

They will be shipped the week of August 14th so it will be hot. That was my main concern.

I will post pics and a follow up on their condition once they arrive. Thanks.

Did yours arrive ok?

 

[Claborn Farms]

I ship started pullets for McMuray Hatchery. We only ship 2 birds in a box. If the birds are older, we sometimes drop down to one per box. We can strap 4 boxes together to make one package.

 

[BlueMandolin]

I ship started pullets for McMuray Hatchery. We only ship 2 birds in a box. If the birds are older, we sometimes drop down to one per box. We can strap 4 boxes together to make one package.

Thanks for the answer. I was curious about this as well. I’m also wondering if, say, I want to order 4 hens as pullets. Being older, is it easier to tell hen from rooster? Or is there still a chance I’ll end up with a rooster even if I only want hens?

 

[DanelleVT]

I just received my 7 girls today Wednesday 5/8. 2 each in 2 boxes strapped together and another box of 3. They arrived perfectly and still had apple chunks in their boxes. They left Montana yesterday 5/7 around 5 pm and arrived in the Burlington VT distribution center by 9:30 this morning, an hour later I heard from the postal driver bringing them to Essex Vt asking if I wanted to pick up which I did, Essex is about 30 min south of me. So I am thrilled with them and their condition. The only upset or panic I had was when I tracked it the tracking said scheduled for delivery by Friday 5/10 8pm I was very worried, but apparently that is a worse case scenario. It is very expensive to express ship but worth every penny in my opinion they traveled for less than 24 hours and are exploring their new digs.

 

[wamtazlady]

The started pullets from MM I just got also shipped from Montana which I did not expect. I had not read this thread when I ordered them in early January. I live in Montana so the birds were in their shipping box less than 24 hours. They are lovely big birds. Must be closer to the 15 weeks old rather than 22 weeks as their combs are small and pale.

Have to add that I chose this week to have the birds delivered as I wanted to make sure the weather was decent when I went to pick them up. Of course on April 1 we were having the first blizzard of the year. Wind was blowing so hard the snow was coming down sideways and it was very cold. We had a relatively mild winter with almost no snow.

The post office called me at about 5:30 am to pick up the birds. Went to the back of the post office and rang a bell. Postal worker put his head out to get my name and address. Returned with my box. Put it on table outside and went back in so I could pick the box up. Very much social distancing. I was wearing my gloves and the postal worker was wearing his gloves.

Getting birds this way was very expensive. Between the price of the birds and shipping it ends up being about $60 a bird. For my circumstances it was a price I was willing to pay. I have birds that should be laying in a couple months. I am sure none are cockerels. With 3 birds I should have eggs for me and maybe some to share with a neighbor. Last time I had chicks in the house my allergies were really bad so a plus that these girls were put outside immediately.

 

[wamtazlady]

Want to add that I am so happy with the pullets I received. They must be older than they look. None of them has a red comb, but the Easter Egger started to lay last week. Have gotten 9 eggs so far from her and only got here 3 weeks ago. Nearly instant gratification.