My brother is thinking of ordering from McMurray. Does anyone know if they are clean now from the AE? He called them and they say they are all cleaned up and identified the problem.
This message was edited Apr 7, 2008 1:55 PM
MM sick chicks, are they cleaned up.
Well, I would tell MY brother "No. Absolutely not. Don't do it." As I would any friend whom i cared for, and had any concern for the well being of their flocks.
I have a list and the info on it confirms the problem began in early February. What I have heard MMH say from the beginning conflicts with reports from consumers. MMH has tried to say it was one or two weeks..., it was certain breeders.... it was certain hatches, certain breeds. None of this has been proven correct. I am basing my opinion on all of the information i have collected.
If I were making the choice for myself, unless they have an inspection and wanted to fax me a DATED, SIGNED, SEALED, OFFICIAL copy from the State and USDA, i would not purchase from them and would cancel my order and demand a refund.
From my records, recipients of chicks in NINE states reported AE symptoms and unusually high losses of chicks from MMH. Most of those have now cofirmed with necropsies by local and state vets and labs.
At least one person [that I know of] has also experienced a second round of AE with their own chicks who were exposed to the sick chicks, FOUR WEEKS LATER.
If your brohter has other chicks, or would get other chicks, he is taking a bigger risk than if he were just getting some birds to eat and isn't concerned with how many shipments it takes to get live healthy ones that don't later have egg production problems, fail to thrive, or spread the virus.
Where does he live, and what other hatcheries has he considered?
Thanks! I'll pass on this info to him. He lives in TX, Carmine area. He is wanting Wyandottes and Ideal is out of the ones the wants and MMH has them. Can you suggest another hatchery that may have them? I think he has looked at several. Right now he has no other chickens.
post here and on some other forums a request for Wyandotte breeders. funny, the guy who tests my flock was here this aftenoon, i could have sworn he said he raises Wy's... his phone is 940 area code, is that neat Carmine? i don't know if he has any for sale but can surely reocmmend a breeder. i'll email him...
also, tell him to try xtremegamebirds.com they have a NICE selection of birds.
he could also check his local freecycle and post a request, and on craigslist or other online forums in his area. some people give them away for a song...
so, what kind of Wyandottes is he wanting?
I have Silver Laced Wyandottes if he is interested. I have eggs and am expecting a hatch April 15th.
Sheila
Thanks TamaraFaye. Not sure where 940 is, their area code is 979.
knslwilliams, I will ask him if he is interested. What will you be asking for them? I'm not sure if he is wanting pullets or a mix.....I'll let you know.
Well he found some and already ordered, not from MMH though I'm happy to say.
Thanks anyways.