The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Mail Order Hatchery for Your Chicks.

As a chicken enthusiast and a proud owner of several flocks, I’ve come across numerous hatcheries both online and in-store. However, one of the most common questions I get asked by fellow chicken lovers is, “What is the best mail-order hatchery to buy chicks from?”

Well, after years of trial and error, I can confidently recommend several hatcheries that I have had a positive experience with. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best mail-order hatchery to buy chicks from.

What to Look for in a Mail-Order Hatchery

If you’re considering purchasing chicks from a mail-order hatchery, it’s important to keep in mind several essential factors before making your selection. Ensuring that you choose the best hatchery for your needs can make a significant difference in the health and happiness of your backyard flock. Here are some essential criteria to consider:

• Reputation: One of the most critical factors to consider is the hatchery’s reputation. You want to choose a hatchery that has a positive reputation within the poultry community. Look for online reviews and testimonials to ensure that the hatchery has a history of providing healthy, high-quality chicks.
• Breeds: A variety of breeds is essential when it comes to selecting the right hatchery. This is especially important if you’re looking for rare breeds or specific traits. A hatchery with a wide range of breeds will give you the best chance of finding the perfect match for your backyard flock.
• Vaccinations: Vaccinations are an essential part of keeping your chicks healthy. It’s important to choose a hatchery that offers vaccinations for common chicken diseases like Marek’s disease and coccidiosis. Vaccinated chicks are generally healthier and more resistant to disease, which can help you avoid potential health problems down the line.
• Shipping: When it comes to mail-order chicks, safe and secure shipping is vital. You want to choose a hatchery that has a reputation for shipping healthy and lively chicks. Make sure to check the hatchery’s shipping policies and conditions before placing your order to ensure that the chicks arrive in good health.

By keeping these criteria in mind, you can ensure that you find the best mail-order hatchery to buy chicks from. Doing your research and selecting the right hatchery will give you the best chance of getting healthy and happy chicks for your backyard flock.

My Top Picks for the Best Mail-Order Hatcheries

After years of ordering chicks online, I have come to rely on several mail-order hatcheries. Here are my top picks:

Meyer Hatchery

Meyer Hatchery is a family-owned business that has been in operation for over 30 years. They offer a wide variety of breeds, including rare breeds such as the Ayam Cemani and Bielefelder.

Meyer Hatchery offers a vaccination program for Marek’s disease, coccidiosis, and respiratory diseases. They also offer a “Safe Arrival Guarantee” for their shipped chicks. If any chicks arrive dead or sick, they will replace them free of charge.

McMurray Hatchery

McMurray Hatchery is one of the oldest mail-order hatcheries in the United States, in operation since 1917. They offer over 100 breeds, including rare and hard-to-find breeds.

McMurray Hatchery offers vaccinations for Marek’s disease and coccidiosis, and they have a 48-hour live arrival guarantee. If any chicks arrive dead or sick within 48 hours, they will replace them free of charge.

Cackle Hatchery

Cackle Hatchery has been in business for over 85 years and offers over 200 breeds, including bantams, ducks, and geese. They are known for their rare breed selection, including the Crevecoeur and Lavender Orpingtons.

Cackle Hatchery offers vaccinations for Marek’s disease and coccidiosis, and they have a “Live Delivery Guarantee” for their shipped chicks. If any chicks arrive dead or sick, they will replace them free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions on Mail Order Hatcheries

1. What should I look for in a mail-order hatchery before purchasing chicks?

• It’s essential to consider the hatchery’s reputation, breeds available, vaccination programs, and safe shipping policies.

2. How important is the hatchery’s reputation when buying chicks online?

• The hatchery’s reputation is crucial since it can give you an idea of the quality of their chicks and customer service.

3. Can I find rare breeds of chicks at mail-order hatcheries?

• Yes, some hatcheries offer a wide variety of breeds, including rare breeds that may be hard to find elsewhere.

4. What are some common diseases that vaccines should cover when purchasing chicks?

• Some common diseases that chicks should be vaccinated against include Marek’s disease and coccidiosis.

5. What kind of guarantee should I look for when ordering chicks from a mail-order hatchery?

• Most reputable hatcheries offer guarantees for their shipped chicks, such as a “Safe Arrival Guarantee” or “Live Delivery Guarantee.”

6. What are some top mail-order hatcheries for buying chicks?

• Some of the best mail-order hatcheries for buying chicks include Meyer Hatchery, McMurray Hatchery, and Cackle Hatchery.

Conclusion

Buying chicks online can be intimidating, but with the right hatchery, it can be a convenient and enjoyable experience. When choosing a mail-order hatchery, consider the reputation, breeds, vaccinations, and shipping. My top picks for the best mail-order hatcheries are Meyer Hatchery, McMurray Hatchery, and Cackle Hatchery. Each of these hatcheries has a reputation for quality chicks, reliable shipping, and excellent customer service. Happy chick ordering!