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Post by plantsnobin on Dec 4, 2007 8:28:02 GMT -5
I was wondering if folks could share their best/worst hatcheries? We have ordered from McMurray, and we have not had any problems with dead birds on arrival or anything, but they really don't have good reviews on garden watchdog. I may sell chicks this spring and would like to know if anyone has used Cackle Hatchery? Thanks
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Dec 4, 2007 10:08:56 GMT -5
What does the review say on Garden Watchdog about McMurray's??
Shipping problems I'm assuming? Complaints that there were dead chicks in the box?? Not always the fault of the hatchery. Day olds are very fragile. Too cold so they had to huddle and got crushed. Too hot so they died from heat exhaustion. Thrown around by someone who was having a bad day at work. Could have been the fault of the carrier (UPS/ USPS, etc). OR, it could be that people ordered chicks from McM's and they live clear across the country. A newly hatched chick does not require food or water for 72 hours after hatching. But by the time that 72 hours has elapsed they are pretty stressed. Folks should be ordering from a hatchery closer to home in that case. Less shipping stress on the babies.
High ratio of males to females? Eg.. "I" ordered all females and got 3 males.." Read the disclaimer. It's 4 males per 100 chicks. They will reimburse if the ratio is higher than that.
As far as Cackle, I have never ordered from any of these places since I do not live in the U.S. However, I've been around poultry long enough to know about many of them from friends/colleagues personal eggsperiences.
Cackle seems to have a decent reputation as far as hatchery stock fowl goes. It's probably the closest major hatchery to you. It's only a five hour drive from St. Lo to Indy so that certainly should make shipping quick and easy on the chicks.
Karen, do any of the feedstores in your area sell chicks in the spring? Can you place a decent sized order with them to share in the shipping costs/losses?? Or do they just order meat chicks and you are looking into ordering some dual purpose fowl or something more exotic than what's available locally?
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Post by plantsnobin on Dec 4, 2007 11:52:04 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply blue. I have a tiny plant business and want to expand to be a year round store, like a combo garden center/feed store. I live in a tiny town in what you would have to call an economically depressed area. There is a new casino about ten miles down the road from us that has been averaging probably 150,000 visitors a month. We are located on the highway, so location is ideal. My little shop is not ideal, but my father in law across the road has a log building that is 3600 sq ft that is sitting empty. We have family parties in it and that is all because he is too contrary to let anyone use it. Anyway, what I envision would be a place mostly for local 4H type families to get the feed and seed supplies they need, with maybe some decorative type stuff for the touristy types who might stop in. A place where old storytellers can sit around the stove and BS. I live only about 30 mins or so from Alan, so he can sell some produce here too. We are also on the way to Patoka Lake, so a bait area would be part of my plan too. Oh well, so many possibilities, so little money to make them happen, and a stubborn old man who probably won't allow it anyway. Karen
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Dec 4, 2007 12:40:12 GMT -5
Tell the old codger you'll keep him supplied with organically raised, pasture fed extra large roasters and all the eggs he can eat! Hopefully that will entice him to let you use the building!
I live in the same sort of an area. A couple of the ma&pop gas station/convenience stores carry a few bags of grain and dog & cat food. You wouldn't need a large inventory to start with, but do your homework on what types of livestock are being raised and what people would want. In this area it's beef cattle and and meat birds. Few people have chickens (other than myself). So beef ration, hen scratch & laying mash are what is readily available unless one drives to the feedstore. Ask about pricing as well. Some folks won't pay an extra .50 per bag to have it a mile down the road. They'd rather use half a tank of fuel to "save" that .50 cents, LOL.
This sounds like a great project Karen!!
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Post by flowerpower on Dec 5, 2007 7:32:51 GMT -5
The feedstore here will get chicks in the Spring.I think from McMurrays. You do have to pre-order and the selection is limited to the more popular breeds. But at least there are live chicks waiting at the store for you. I have to talk to the lady who orders. Maybe if I prepay, they will special order for me.
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Dec 5, 2007 9:26:57 GMT -5
FP, I would certainly ask if they would consider doing that given the problems with finding birds in your area. All they can do is say "no", but as a long time customer, I'm guessing that they will be more than happy to accept your order (and your money).
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Post by plantsnobin on Dec 5, 2007 13:31:48 GMT -5
FP-I haven't ordered from them myself, but there is a Hoffman hatchery listed in Garden Watchdog with 2 positives, and they are located in PA. Maybe you could order direct from them. There is also Moyers hatchery I think in PA, but I looked at their site and they only sell 3 varieties of birds, more geared to commercial poultry raisers. I plan on contacting Welp, Meyers and Cackle to see where I can get the best deal for resell.
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