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Bingo. A year ago I went to Murray McMurray twice and was not pleased. Since then I've gone to breeders here on BYC. Not only do you see the parent stock, but you know you're getting the real thing. For example:
Murray McMurray sold me a "Brahma" that was actually a Sussex/Brahma cross, to most people it would probably still look like one though. Murray McMurray not only does the "we sell Ameraucanas" lie, but puts it further to "Araucanas." Also, their Houdans are crossbred chickens as well. But then again, I don't know any hatchery with good or real Houdans.
Here on BYC or even from local breeders, I've purchased many Marans and Ameraucanas (both eggs and chicks) and not only do I get to actually see what kind of eggs to expect from both, but I get to see the parents and how their living quarters are as well as how the breeding is managed. So far, the chicks I've gotten are true to the breed standards, are perfectly healthy (I've have plenty casualities from both Murray McMurray orders) and are growing much better than the hatchery birds. None have gotten curl toe paralysis, none have gotten a lack of feathers during their first month of filling out, none have had any moment in their life when their feathers curl, and none are underweight for their breed. (My hatchery brahmas are
5 pounds and are smaller than 6 month old Black Copper Marans. They're supposed to be one of the 3 biggest breeds, and weigh 9-12 pounds.
But, if you want to go only with hatcheries - I'd suggest a newer one, such as Purely Poultry or Nature's Hatchery. Nature's Hatchery actuals tells its costumers that its EEs are not Ameraucanas, and both hatcheries are new enough to not be huge companies with old stock in which we have no clue on the treatment or confinement of. In fact, Purely Poultry is run by a family you can actually hear when calling for service.