Best Online Hatchery for Small Orders?

[HJECG]

Do any of you guys have any advice for the best online hatchery to make small orders of chicks? Thanks!

 

[AprilWC]

I like Ideal Poultry pretty well myself. They only have a $25 minimum purchase. If you order less than 25 chicks they may add male chicks for warmth - however if you call them before your order ships they won't include the males.

 

[petrel]

I had great experiences with Meyer Hatchery on two small orders. They are great before, during, and after the sale.

 

[HJECG]

Thanks, y'all. How many did you order, and was the shipping on a small order just outrageous? Did your chicks arrive healthy and well? The whole process of ordering chicks online seems so intimidating.

 

[keesmom]

Shipping on small orders is often more expensive because the chicks are sent Express rather than Priority.

Have you considered ordering the larger minimum just in case of accidental cockerels or unexpected deaths? You could pick your favorites and sell the extras locally.

 

[petrel]

Thanks, y'all. How many did you order, and was the shipping on a small order just outrageous? Did your chicks arrive healthy and well? The whole process of ordering chicks online seems so intimidating.

Nothing to it. Drop them in your cart and pay. I ordered 10 first, then four. If you don't like online purchasing just call or chat online. They (meyer) are very easy to work with.

I don't remember the shipping charges, but they weren't deal breakers. I had one chick die shortly after arrival, because she got wedged in the packaging. They replaced her promptly. The rest were in perfect shape, except for one pasty butt that I was able to remedy thanks to the kind assistance of my fellow BYCers!

 

[AprilWC]

Ideal has a fee of $7 if you order less than a "full box" (100 chicks) but aside from that, its no more expensive than usual. I always get bantams which are sold straight run so I order more than I need to be sure I get enough females. That said my smallest order size was 12 chicks.