I was hoping to get them from a breeder. At the time, I had never purchased from a hatchery, and was afraid to have chicks in the mail. My family has had them shipped for generations now, and assured me that things are not that bad, and if they are not up to standard I did not pay breeder prices. So we took the chance. I feel a little more at ease about chicks in the mail.It is best if he is going to show to find some breeder type stock, but you should enjoy them from Meyer too. They are just a wonderful breed for many reasons!