Mail order hatchery

A mail order hatchery is a business that sells live baby animals, known as chicks, ducklings, or poults, to customers through the mail. These hatcheries typically specialize in raising and hatching poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and pheasants, as well as other birds like quail and pheasants.

Here's how it works:

  1. Customers place an order with the hatchery, specifying the type and quantity of birds they want to receive.
  2. The hatchery raises the birds from eggs to hatching age, usually 18-21 days.
  3. The hatchery carefully packs the live birds in specialized boxes or containers to ensure their safety and comfort during shipping.
  4. The birds are shipped to the customer via mail or courier service.
  5. The customer receives the birds and raises them to adulthood.

Mail order hatcheries often cater to backyard chicken keepers, farmers, and breeders who want to raise their own birds for eggs, meat, or show purposes. Some hatcheries also sell birds to schools, 4-H clubs, and other educational institutions for educational purposes.

When choosing a mail order hatchery, customers should consider the following factors:

  1. Reputation: Research the hatchery's reputation online and ask for referrals from other customers.
  2. Health guarantees: Look for hatcheries that offer health guarantees and provide information on the birds' health and vaccination status.
  3. Shipping: Check the hatchery's shipping policies, including the cost, duration, and methods used to transport the birds.
  4. Variety: Consider the types of birds offered and the availability of specific breeds or varieties.
  5. Customer service: Evaluate the hatchery's customer service, including their response to questions, concerns, and issues.
  6. Pricing: Compare prices among different hatcheries to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
  7. Certification: Look for hatcheries that are certified by organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the American Poultry Association (APA).

Some popular mail order hatcheries in the United States include:

  1. Meyer Hatchery
  2. Cackle Hatchery
  3. Hatchery Choice
  4. My Pet Chicken
  5. Murray McMurray Hatchery
  6. Peach State Poultry
  7. PoultryNet
  8. Valley Hatchery

Remember to always follow proper biosecurity measures when receiving and raising live birds to ensure their health and well-being.