We've bought chicks from Tractor Supply, from hatcheries, from private people, etc. In the future we probably will be sticking with Tractor Supply as opposed to hatcheries because the US mail system has now gone to hubs and the chicks can spend way too many days in transit. At least if they make it to TSC, they travel in a larger group, easier to keep warm. In transit and the postage from some hatcheries is outlandish. TSC gets from Hoovers and I have also ordered from them. Their prices include shipping.. From the hatchery you need to buy a larger number. From TSC the minimum is four and through out the year they have all different breeds which is fine because I love a colorful egg basket. I do want a few of a certain breed this spring;/summer so will probably use a local breeder, but our local breeders don't have everything I want. Breed choices are limited.Do experienced chicken keepers prefer to buy chicks through Tractor Supply or hatcheries?
We ordered 7 black Australorp chicks this summer from Mount Healthy Hatchery. We received 8, and all are pullets and wonderful, healthy birds. Our experience was so great that I'd naturally be inclined to order from them again.
But they do charge a $30 shipping fee for shipping fewer than 15 chicks, and there's an understandable shipping minimum of 3 chicks.
Ideally, I like the thought of going to Tractor Supply and having the freedom to choose the individual chicks and possibly choosing only 2 as opposed to 3 (and risk the possibility of receiving 4 -- our run would be maxed out at 12 chickens). However, I have no experience buying chicks from our local TSC.
Is buying from TSC comparable to buying from a good hatchery? Or does the quality of hatchery chicks make up for the additional costs?
Thank you!