where to buy quality rocks

[whitman]

Hi. Im a new member. We're finishing our chicken coop and plan to buy chicks in a few weeks (for the first time). I think we're leaning toward plymouth rocks, specifically partridge rocks (for aesthetic reasons). Should we buy them from a hatchery or can we get better birds from an individual breeder/fancier? I think we just want hens for now. We live in the country so we could have a rooster if we wanted. Are there advantages to having a rooster? Do you have strong feelings about having them vaccinated against Mareks? I would prefer to pay more if I thought I was getting better quality stock but I don't know how to connect with reputable breeders.