Murray McMurray Hatchery is a trusted name for backyard poultry keepers and small-scale homesteaders across North America. The company focuses on providing healthy, vaccinated chicks and poults with a strong emphasis on customer support and breed variety.
Raised without routine antibiotics, many of the birds from Murray McMurray fit organic and regenerative farming preferences. Below is a structured overview of key product lines, pricing, and breed highlights to help you evaluate options quickly.
| Category | Breed Example | Key Traits | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer | White Leghorn | High egg production, active foragers | $3.50–$5.00 |
| Dual Purpose | Rhode Island Red | Good eggs, solid meat growth, calm temperament | $4.00–$6.00 |
| Broiler | Cornish Cross | Rapid growth, efficient feed conversion | $2.80–$4.00 |
| Heritage | Brahma | Cold hardy, slow growing, docile | $5.50–$8.00 |
| Waterfowl | Embden Goose | Strong foragers, good guardians, quality eggs | $8.00–$12.00 |
Starter Chicks And Poult Selection
Murray McMurray offers a broad catalog of day-old chicks and poults suited to small backyards and larger operations. Breed selection includes popular egg layers, meat birds, and ornamental waterfowl.
Each listing typically includes breed origin, expected adult weight, and key performance notes. These details help you match birds to your space, climate, and production goals without guesswork.
Breed Variety And Availability
Egg Laying Focus
You can choose from Leghorns, Australorps, and Anconas for consistent white or brown eggs. These breeds are known for efficiency, active behavior, and adaptability to varied climates.
Meat And Dual Purpose
For table birds, consider Cornish Cross for fast growth or Rhode Island Reds for a balance of eggs and meat. Heritage breeds like Orpingtons and Wyandottes offer slower growth but greater hardiness and maternal instincts.
Shipping And Brooder Preparation
Day-old chicks arrive in temperature-controlled packaging with clear ventilation. The company provides guidance on safe brooding temperatures, feeder height, and sanitation to reduce stress and disease risk.
Recommended brooder setups include slip-proof feeders, fresh water access, and draft-free housing for the first few weeks. Proper preparation increases early survival rates and supports uniform development.
Pricing And Minimum Order Details
Unit prices vary by breed, with heritage and rare breeds generally costing more. Shipping fees are calculated based on distance, weather conditions, and order size.
Many customers find that ordering multiple breeds in a single shipment lowers the per-bird cost and reduces handling. Minimum order rules are clearly outlined on their site to avoid surprises at checkout.
Raising Healthy Birds Long Term
Ongoing success with Murray McMurray birds depends on clean water, balanced nutrition, and regular health checks. Keeping detailed records of growth, egg production, and veterinary visits helps refine your management over time.
- Review breed-specific care guides before ordering
- Set up brooder temperatures and feeder space in advance
- Monitor water quality and adjust feed types as birds grow
- Schedule routine checks and maintain clean coops
- Plan for predator protection and safe transportation
FAQ
Reader questions
Are the chicks vaccinated upon arrival?
Yes, most day-old chicks from Murray McMurray receive vaccinations for common poultry diseases at the hatchery under supervised protocols.
What happens if weather delays delivery?
The company coordinates carrier schedules and provides guidance on holding areas for chicks to minimize heat or cold stress during transit delays.
Can I return birds that do not meet expectations?
Return policies are generally strict for day-old poultry due to biosecurity, but the site details circumstances under which exceptions may be considered.
Do they offer organic or non-GMO feed recommendations?
While feed is sold separately, Murray McMurray provides links to organically certified and non-GMF starter feeds compatible with their chick lines.