I've been reading about a lot of people getting "mystery chicks" from various feed stores...winding up unsure about gender or even breed. I just want to put in a plug for my favorite feed store. Graham Hay Market!!! It's a family owned place in Graham, WA. They have regular chick shipments from March 'til August, and they get an amazing variety of breeds. They have an order list posted for the entire summer so you can plan your purchase (yeah, right. Impulse is FUN!) So far I've seen all the standard stuff (buff orps, barred rocks, white leghorns, RIR, etc.), but also Iowa Blue, Polish, buckeye, light and dark brahmas, partridge rocks, silkies, frizzles, brown leghorn, blue andalusian, golden lakenvelder, silver, blue, and gold wyandottes...the list goes on and on! They keep them either in separate bins with clear labels, or double up breeds that are easy to distinguish. (buff orps and black australorps, for example.)
They're hatchery grade chicks, of course, but for lots of us backyarders that's just fine.
An added bonus is that everyone who works there also raises a variety of animals themselves, including chickens. Great people! ( and a VERY friendly pair of French Mastiffs. Awesome dogs...)
I know I sound like a commercial, but I've just been delighted with experience with them, and I want to share my find.
--Nikki
They're hatchery grade chicks, of course, but for lots of us backyarders that's just fine.
An added bonus is that everyone who works there also raises a variety of animals themselves, including chickens. Great people! ( and a VERY friendly pair of French Mastiffs. Awesome dogs...)
I know I sound like a commercial, but I've just been delighted with experience with them, and I want to share my find.
--Nikki
