Which hatchery?

[Maggieisabelle]

So I am looking to buy some more chicks
and I am thinking about getting them from a hatchery. Any tips on which hatchery to buy from? Also I was thinking about what to get, I am definitely getting silkies, any ideas on any other breeds I should get? I live in South Florida and it gets pretty hot.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would avoid having chicks shipped in hot weather. Birds with large combs do better in warm climates. Check Henderson's chicken breeds list. I suggest you wait till the weather cools a bit in the fall, or wait till early spring.

 

[True Patriot]

The only experience I have is with My Pet Chicken. I ordered 10 mystery chicks the last week of June. They shipped on time, MPC emailed me all the details. They arrived 48 hours after ship, healthy and safe. The packaging was quality and the chicks appear to be illness free. Working on week 3 with them and had 0 health related issues.

 

[yellowherb]

Early spring will get you a better assortment of chicks but depending on what chicks you want, this time of year can get you a large bunch at a good price.

I'm in SW florida (inland from Ft myers so it gets really HOT). I successfully raise Sultans and have had standard cochins. Both do ok with me but do like a cool shady spot to have a mid day siesta. I'm sure the more production types with large combs would do better than my feather footed fancy chickens, but still they do just fine for me. And since you like Silkies you may also like the other fancy breeds like Mille Fleur, Sultans, Polish, Cochins.

As for hatcheries, I have only ordered from Ideal Poultry and generally I order in spring just because of the selection. But I do have a late order coming in Aug which I'm excited about. My previous Ideal orders have been 100% arrive alive and did really well for me.

 

[Maggieisabelle]

Early spring will get you a better assortment of chicks but depending on what chicks you want, this time of year can get you a large bunch at a good price.

I'm in SW florida (inland from Ft myers so it gets really HOT). I successfully raise Sultans and have had standard cochins. Both do ok with me but do like a cool shady spot to have a mid day siesta. I'm sure the more production types with large combs would do better than my feather footed fancy chickens, but still they do just fine for me. And since you like Silkies you may also like the other fancy breeds like Mille Fleur, Sultans, Polish, Cochins.

As for hatcheries, I have only ordered from Ideal Poultry and generally I order in spring just because of the selection. But I do have a late order coming in Aug which I'm excited about. My previous Ideal orders have been 100% arrive alive and did really well for me.

This was really helpful! Thanks!!