Best hatchery to order from with a minimum 3 chick order?

[flipflops]

New to this and just want 2-3 chicks to raise and for pets primarily and eggs 2nd. Want very sweet hens. What hatchery can you suggest that has good healthy chicks and minimum orders?

 

[UrbanFlock916]

I had three chicks delivered through My Pet Chicken. They all arrived happy and healthy, and are thriving. I had a good experience with MPC and they were accommodating when I made a couple breed switches. That being said, MPC was fairly expensive. Cackle Hatchery has a 3 order option (I think it’s called City/Town Pullet Special) for a flat $50 and people seem very happy with the shipping and chick quality.

 

[flipflops]

Any luck with Strombergs anyone? They have what I want in stock currently.

 

[flipflops]

Also is it ok to mix breeds? Like 1 each of different breed females? Can someone recommend maybe a top 5 best breeds for being sweet not broody and like social interaction?

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Have you checked out Ideal Poultry? I cant remember the minimum, but I don't think it's very many. Make sure you tell them to buy a heat pack, or else they will send you extra roosters. They have just about every breed imaginable! I ordered from there this spring. Had two die, but I usually have couple chicks that die In the first few days.

 

[EricaCAL]

Hi! I just had chicks delivered yesterday from MyPetChicken.com I ordered 6 and 2 died in transit. I am devastated! Opening that box was awful. I feel sick that they died because of me. The other 4 seem to be thriving but losing 2 was shocking...that is 40% loss rate!!!!!! IDK, I would look for a local hatchery. That is what I will do in future.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

3 weeks ago I ordered 5 chickens of different breeds from Meyers. They threw in a 'Meyer's Meal Maker' for free (I'm assuming its a Cornish x). Anyway, all 6 chicks arrived cheeping in a nice box with straw and a heat pad. They had already pooped in the bedding, so knew they'd be ready for food and water, which they eagerly went for as soon as they hit their brooder. So, my babies are almost 3 weeks old and still no problems.

 

[mertzy1963]

I got my 6 through McMurray hatchery and am very pleased with every aspect of my order, chickens are healthy and doing great!!

 

[chickenE]

Hi! I just had chicks delivered yesterday from MyPetChicken.com I ordered 6 and 2 died in transit. I am devastated! Opening that box was awful. I feel sick that they died because of me. The other 4 seem to be thriving but losing 2 was shocking...that is 40% loss rate!!!!!! IDK, I would look for a local hatchery. That is what I will do in future.

I'm so sorry. I've been looking at ordering sexed bantams but I would be so upset too if something happened to the chicks in transit.

 

[flipflops]

Is it ok to mix breeds? I really wanted Faverolles and just get all one breed since I read not to mix them but they seem hard to find.
I am torn between:
Buff Brahma
Plymouth Rock
Australorps
Red Stars
Lavinder Orp
Sussex
Barnvelder