- Hy-Line North America, located in Spencer, IA, is not a backyard breeder! Instead, this is a vast operation catering to farms and other people who need a lot of chicks.
- Murray McMurray Hatchery (located in Webster City, IA) It’s best to check the hatchery’s website for more information about their available breeds, shipping options, and any minimum order requirements.
- Hoover’s Hatchery in Rudd, IA, can supply smaller numbers of chicks (their minimum is 15). They offer quails, turkeys, chukars, ducks, geese, and more. They also ship, so you could consider them a local online hatchery.
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| Name | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chariton Chick Hatchery | 44604 IA-14, Chariton, IA 50049 | ||
| Duncan’s Poultry | 2947 Ogden Avenue, Missouri Valley, IA 51555 | 712-644-2322 | duncanspoultry.com |
| Hoover’s Hatchery | 205 Chickasaw Street, Rudd, IA 50471 | 641-323-6100 | hoovershatchery.com |
| International Poultry Breeders Hatcheries, Inc. | 113 North Long St, Bancroft, IA 50517 | 515-885-2345 | |
| Iowa Pasture Poultry | 3284 340th Street, Stuart, IA 50250 | 515-523-2777 | |
| Kruse Hatchery | 1011 Co Road W14, Fort Atkinson, IA 52144 | 563-534-7396 | on facebook.com |
| Murray McMurray Hatchery | 191 Closz Drive, Webster City, IA 50595 | 800-456-3280 | mcmurrayhatchery.com |
Benefits of Choosing Chicks In Iowa
One of the benefits of purchasing chicks from a hatchery in Iowa is the ability to choose from a wide selection of breeds.
Popular breeds such as Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Leghorns are commonly available, as well as heritage breeds such as Barred Plymouth Rocks and Delaware.
Each breed has its own unique characteristics, such as egg production and hardiness, so it’s essential to research and choose the breed that best suits your needs.
Related: How Much Do Chicks Cost?
Straight-run Or Sexed?
When purchasing chicks from a hatchery, it’s also important to consider the sex of the birds.
Many hatcheries offer the option to buy straight-run chicks, which means they are not sexed and can be either male or female.
Others offer the opportunity to purchase sexed chicks, which means they have been separated by gender, and you will know whether you are getting males or females.
This can be important for those looking to raise birds for egg production, as only females will lay eggs.
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How Old Should Your Chicks Be When You Buy Them?
Another vital factor to consider when purchasing chicks is the age at which they are shipped.
Most hatcheries will ship chicks at one or two days old, but some may offer older chicks as well.
It’s important to note that the younger the chicks are when they are shipped, the more care and attention they will require.
The chicks will need to be kept in a warm, draft-free environment with a heat source such as a heat lamp and must be fed and watered frequently.
What Type Of Hatchery?
When it comes to finding a hatchery in Iowa, there are a few options available.
Some hatcheries are located on-site at farms, while others may operate primarily online and ship chicks to customers.
A quick internet search will bring up a variety of hatcheries in the state, and it’s important to read reviews and research the hatchery’s reputation before making a purchase.
The NPIP In Iowa
The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is a program run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that aims to improve the health and quality of poultry in the United States. In Iowa, the NPIP program is overseen by the Iowa Poultry Association.
The program is designed to help prevent the spread of diseases such as avian influenza and Salmonella, and to promote the production of high-quality poultry for consumption.
Participating poultry farms in Iowa must undergo regular inspections and testing to ensure compliance with NPIP standards. The program also provides a certification process for poultry producers to demonstrate that their birds meet certain health and quality standards.
Overall, the NPIP plays an important role in maintaining the health and safety of Iowa’s poultry industry and protecting consumers who purchase and consume poultry products.
Summary
In conclusion, chicken hatcheries in Iowa are an excellent resource for those looking to start or expand their backyard flock. They offer a wide variety of breeds and sex of chicks, as well as the option to purchase chicks at different ages.
It’s essential to research and choose the hatchery and birds that best suit your needs and be prepared for the care and attention required for young chicks. Happy chicken keeping!
Photo by Sophie Mikat on Unsplash
