Are you looking for a reputable hatchery nearby to add to your flock? When wondering if there are ‘chickens for sale near me’ most prospective chicken owners want to know that the breeder they buy from will be reputable and have the stocking requirements they need. We have done the research for you and put together the top 3 chicken breeders and hatcheries with solid reputations, breed variety and the convenience of delivery!
Our Top Pick
CACKLE HATCHERY
Based in Lebanon, Missouri , Cackle Hatchery is a 3rd generation family owned and operated hatchery with an excellent reputation for supplying and delivering healthy, robust chicks with a high survival rate.
They all supply hatching eggs and deliver to all US states. There is a 90% sexing guarantee baby chick orders and minimum order is 3 chicks only!
Cackle Hatchery have a live healthy poultry delivery and satisfaction guarantee. Free shipping is available on certain poultry orders and for poultry supply orders over $25 the shipping is also free.
Check out the Cackle Hatchery website for the wealth of information available on purchasing and caring for chickens from them.
Pros
Ships to all states in the U.S
Large variety of chicken breeds at best prices
Also sell chicken supplies
Sexing Guarantee
Free shipping over $25
Great reputation and customer service
Cons
All breeds may not be available year round
Some lesser known breeds unavailable
Special conditions apply for shipments to Hawaii.
Second Best
MURRAY MCMURRAY HATCHERY
Based in Webster City, Iowa , Murray McMurray Hatchery boasts a state of the art hatchery with a variety of different breeds. They delivery to all US states and there is a 90% sexing guarantee baby chick orders.
McMurray Hatchery have a 48 hour live poultry delivery guarantee. Free shipping is available for poultry orders with a minimum purchase of birds.
Check out the Murray McMurray Hatchery website for all the details.
Pros
Ships to all states in the U.S
Supplies a variety of breeds
Also sell chicken supplies
Good Reputation
Cons
All breeds may not be available year round
Some state restrictions on product shipping
More expensive than Cackle Hatchery
Third Best
MEYER HATCHERY
Based in Polk, Ohio , Meyer Hatchery is a large supplier of poultry in the United States. They delivery to all US states and offer more than 160 breeds of poultry.
Meyer Hatchery have offer free shipping on selected minimum orders of poultry. There is a 48 hour guarantee of chick liveability post delivery.
Check out the Meyer Hatchery website for all the details.
Pros
Ships to all states in the U.S
Female owned and operated
Also sell chicken supplies
Reputable hatchery
Cons
All breeds may not be available year round
Some state restrictions on product shipping
No returns
Most expensive hatchery from our picks
FAQs
How Do You Find a Reputable Chicken Hatchery?
When selecting a chicken hatchery, it’s important to look for one that has a good reputation for producing healthy chicks. Some factors to consider include the hatchery’s history of producing high-quality birds, the cleanliness of the facility, the types of vaccines and treatments used, and the hatchery’s compliance with local and national regulations. You can also ask for recommendations from other chicken owners or consult online forums including social media groups for advice.
Watching videos like the one below can help inform you on how a hatchery operates. Cackle Hatchery has its own channel and offers a range of informative videos.
Read the hatchery’s policies and procedures to ensure you know as much as possible about how that business operates. Contact your local poultry association as well and request a list of qualified hatcheries. You can also get in touch with your local feed store and ask if they have any recommended suppliers.
What Should I know Before Buying Chicks from a Hatchery?
Before buying chicks from a hatchery, it’s important to research the breed of chicken you want and ensure that it is suitable for your climate and living situation.
You should also have a plan for housing and caring for the chicks once they arrive.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to confirm the hatchery’s shipping and delivery policies, as well as any guarantees or warranties they offer.
When is the Best Time to Order Chicks?
The best time to order chicks is in early spring. Hatchery’s have the best selection of chicks available from February until June.
Needing some ideas of what breeds to select to ensure a bountiful supply of eggs? Check out our guide to the Best Egg Laying Chickens for breed ideas!
