How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Hatcheries

Thanks for the good info. I haven't ordered from hatcheries for several years because what I have wanted has been available locally. I am grateful for that and the knowledgable people in our area (Grandpa Jack for one.) There seem to be a couple of breeds that I don't have good luck raising and some that thrive no matter what. That's just poultry I guess. I am so addicted to the peeps and eggs cracking and new babies!

I will have a hatch this weekend of Silkie, Serama, Aracauna, Blue Cochin and something I can't remember. I have 6 Cayuga ducklings from the last hatch of 10 eggs. Not sure what will be next/

I know I will be glad to see some sunshine soon and know ya'll will also. Our Spring Poultry On Parade is scheduled for March 23rd and I will be happy to send anyone information. Someone in the southen part of the country might just want to come.

Susan in Conyers, GA

From: CathrynTherese cathryntherese@yahoo.com>
To: "CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com" CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 1:37 PM
Subject: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Hatcheries

Susan, My guess is they still contract with flocks/private breeders. Depending on the breeder's health of the flock is what you get. The flocks they have there, what you get depends on the health of that flock. It was silkies that this breeder ordered from McM that wiped him out. Back in the 1990's you could SQ polish and really decent silkies from them. Cackle it was their Delawares and a Delaware cross I've forgotten the name of that made my chicks sick and killed them. I avoid both now. The rudeness and stupid responses of the owner were insult to injury. Put the few that lived to 3 weeks down. Not worth it. I also avoid Sandhill because their barrd holland and another heirloom chicks were not only the wrong colored legs but had weak, soggy, sick bodies. I helped a friend by putting them in their own barn with a brooder. I used every skill in the book and their chicks were sick chicks that slowly died and made cull chicks I put with them have the same
sickness, killing them. We got rid of them, put them down and vowed to let the world know. Sandhill had all kinds of excuses that were stupid, nonsense. I stay away from these 3 hatcheries.
CathrynrainbowsilkiesTM in Michigan