what hatchery do you prefer????????

there is a vast amount of information on here regarding the different hatcheries. Most hatchery birds will be good layers because that's what they're bred for... laying more hatchery stock. I think the quality of the birds from each hatchery varies depending on what breed you are look for.

I have only ordered from Ideal in the past and I was pleased with their service and the quality of the chicks. They definately aren't the same as chicks from a breeder, but they were healthy and laid well.

 

i have only bought from cackle hatchery in 2009. i got cinnamon queens and golden laced wyandottes. the queens layed well there first year and now they are almost 2 years old and are slowing down wich is typical for this breed. my wyandottes did good they were really broody hatched some chicks with them. i plan on ordering white leghorns and ri reds this year from cackle. all in all they have healthy chicks.

 

In my experience welp is a good hatchery. There prices are good and stock is lively. Ive had bad experinces with mcmurry getting unhealthy chicks. Pretty much to compare I ordered from welp and mcmurry and the welp came all healthy with no dead and extras while the mcmurry chicks came half dead with me loosing another 6-7 the following 2 days. The sent me a 2nd box with replacements but they didn't do that well.

 

Quote:I like McMurray. They've always sent me good healthy birds that have laid early and laid many eggs. I like Ideal because they have pretty good customer service, good healthy birds and possibly just a little bit better quality on some breeds of birds. Once I started breeding for good show birds (for the 4-H clientele) I quit buying from hatcheries but it's been my experience that these two hatcheries had the best prices on the good shipments of live birds.
Gotta tell you the Easter Eggers from McMurray are the best birds we've had for laying. They're pretty, lots of color, great green, pink and rose eggs and they lay earlier than any other birds (again just my experience). Nice friendly birds too. I don't know who is supplying MM with their Easter Egger hatching stock but they're doing a pretty good job of choosing breeding stock.

 

I prefer Ideal, All my birds have came from them. They are healthy and are fantastic layers! I have always received extras. Which usually turn out to be roosters, but they taste good!
Best Laying Breeds I have from Ideal,
White only White Leghorns
California White Leghorns
White Rocks
Production Reds
Barred Rocks
Buff Orpington
Minorca
Ameracaua

Marans and Naked Necks are O.K
Marans lay a brown egg with a gold tint. not very dark.

 

I have ordered several times from McMurray. The chicks have all arrived on time like promised. Very Healthy and all survived to wonderful adult layers. I am getting an order ready for them this year as well. I hope who ever you decide on, you will be very pleased.

 

I order from privett and have never had a problem

 

I order from cackle because they have breeders that supply them with eggs, they dont have a huge farm with low quailty birds.