It has come to our attention the Post Office is requesting a change to the shipment of poultry through the mail. The following link is a copy of the proposal in PDF form or you can read the proposal on-line at the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/04/24/2013-09603/new-mailing-standards-for-live-animals-and-special-handling

They are asking that a Special Handle Fee be charged on every Live Animal Shipment. This proposal would increase the postage amount by $9.00 to $11.95 per box.

The proposal outlines the new fees to be charged but it does not include any new rules to insure us that service would also improve. Nor does it offer how additional funds would address their concerns about; Protection of Postal Service employees, mail and the environment, or animals against death.

Please read the proposed changes and send your comments to the US Post Office. We have included a link to a sample letter (in MS Word) for your use. (Sample Letter Link)

Make your voice heard, do it today. The comment period ends next week May 24. Thank you for your continued support. Letters and e-mails must be submitted on or before May 24, 2013, by sending to the below address or e-mailed to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Live Animals.”The Manager, Product Classification
U.S. Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446
Washington, DC 20260-5015

RE:  39 CFR Part 111 New Mailing Standards for Live Animals and Special Handling ]]> http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2013/05/17/postal-service-proposes-increased-shipping-rates-on-poultry/feed/ 9 http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2013/05/02/how-do-you-chicken-video-contest-winners/ http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2013/05/02/how-do-you-chicken-video-contest-winners/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 17:19:17 +0000 Chris Huseman http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/?p=5209 Continue reading →]]> We just concluded a very fun and entertaining video contest entitled “How Do You Chicken?”.  I’m happy to announce the three top video winners!   Thank you to everyone who submitted videos.  If you would like to see all the finalists, check them out at http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/howdoyouchicken.html

Without further delay, here are the winners of the 2013 Easter Photo Contest!

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

4th Place

5th Place

6th Place

Congratulations again to our winners!  Look for our next photo contest coming soon!

Our 2013 season has been going very well!  We feel so blessed to hear the positive feedback from our thousands of customers as they receive their baby chicks and welcome them into their home.  The stories we hear never get old – please keep them coming!  Each story is a reminder that we are not just selling chicks or other baby fowl – we are offering a small start into a new lifestyle for many.   Nursing homes are using chicks as a motivation for the residents, children are learning life lessons of responsibility to care for a new pet and families are starting or continuing on their quest to eat healthier by consuming fresh eggs from their chickens.

Some of the many things we strive to do here is inform, inspire and equip people interested in chickens.  For each chicken owner there are many who never even considered owning chickens…until they see others doing it.  I was at a trade show recently showcasing our chicks and had the privilege of putting chicks in the hands of many people who have never held baby chicks before.  Their eyes lit up and a wide smile grew across their face as the baby chick offered chirps of encouragement and then comfortably slept in their hand.

To that end, we have many activities going on right now to help inspire others to own chickens and spread the joy of ownership.

First, we kicked off our Easter Chicken photo contest.  These photo contests that we run generate some of the most amazing photos!  In fact, in many instances, photos submitted to our photo contest are used on product graphics, in our videos or other mediums.  To enter, or just view some of the photos submitted, click the following link:  http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/p/easter2013.  Photos can be uploaded until April 4th, 2013.  We are giving away Murray McMurray Hatchery gift certificates for places 1st through 6th.  Get your photo in for a chance to win!

Another way we are hoping to inspire new chicken owners and share ideas with existing chicken owners is through showcasing various videos submitted  to our “How Do You Chicken?” video contest.  Simply upload your video to your YouTube account and e-mail the video url to video@mcmurrayhatchery.com.  Don’t have your video done yet?  Don’t worry – we are showcasing videos until April 30th!  Videos showcased receive a variety of Murray McMurray Hatchery items such as a hat, t-shirt or mug just to name a few.  The top three videos win a $250 Murray McMurray Hatchery gift certificate!  Check out some of the videos submitted here and read the official rules:  http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/howdoyouchicken.html

The final big news I can think of today is the announcement of the Murray McMurray Hatchery “Chickens in Five Minutes a Day” book!  While the photo and video contests will offer inspiration, our comprehensive book on how to make raising chickens a little easier is sure to be the resource that new and existing chicken owners will love.  Written in a collaborative effort by Murray McMurray Hatchery employees, we share our tips, tricks and 95 years of hatchery knowledge to help you with your flock.  You can pre-order the book today with an anticipated ship date of May 14th!

With all these new starts and introductions it is easy to forget the start of something else.  Though the snow and cold may remain, did you realize that Spring is here?  It is with great anticipation that we look forward to the warm weather and green grass.  Think warm thoughts!

Thank you again for your continued support.   We greatly appreciate it!

Announcing the Fall in love with Chickens and other Fowl Photo Contest! We want to see your favorite feathered friend basking in the Fall season! Upload your photos here: http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/p/fallinlove2012 Six winners will be rated, by you, for a chance to win gift certificates from $15 to $100!! Photos can be uploaded until October 19th! Get your favorite fall scene, pumpkins, scarecrows, costumes and more out for this fun contest!

Photo Contest Announced!
We had such a fun time with our last photo contest we plan to have several more before the year ends.  We announced the start of Summer Fun last week in our newsletter and we have already received so many wonderful photos!  Be sure to click here to see the photos and upload your Summer Fun photo!  You have until September 9th to upload a photo…

Murray’s Best Show Kit
From a recent Facebook question, we were thrilled to learn of so many of our younger chicken enthusiasts and customers who did well at the county and state shows.  It is so encouraging to see our youth members showcase their care and attention to detail with their chickens and other birds!  We recently launched the Murray’s Best Show Kit to further help the efforts of these commendable young showmen.  Check out Murray’s Best Show Kit here.  While the show season is over, this would be a great Christmas gift!

Oyster Shell – For Stronger Eggs

Another great product we introduced recently was Murray’s Best Oyster Shell.  This is one of the finest ground oyster shell on the market today taken from fresh oyster beds.  If you want a way to ensure you get strong egg shells from your chickens, boost their calcium intake with this oyster shell.  You can offer this with their food or as a separate, free choice offering to your chickens.   Click here to see the 5lb and 10lb offerings in our Murray’s Best Oyster Shell.

Predator Preventer Keeps Chickens, Gardens and much more Safe from Intruders
I tested this product in the office and got quite the reaction from people holding their ears to thinking there was fire!  I was told not to do it again.  This Predator Preventer is a little more expensive than our current offering but offers an intimidating red flashing light (to mimic eyes), a bright flood light, as well as a high pitch alarm.  With these three level of deterrents, your chickens, garden and other property have increased protection with this motion detected system.  Oh yeah, and it is operated via the included solar panel so you don’t even need to replace batteries or have a source of electricity to operate it!  Check it out here!

New T-Shirts have Arrived!
Luckily Friday is a casual day around here and it is the perfect occassion to sport our new Murray McMurray Hatchery T-Shirts!  We have three new varieties that are sure to make a great gift for yourself or others.  Comfortable, subtle and a great way to advertise your love for feathered friends!

White T-Shirt with Small Logo on Front and Black Print on Back  - Click Here

Grey T-Shirt – Large Logo on Front – Black Print on Back – Click Here

White T-Shirt – Large Logo Front- Blank Back – Click Here

New Red Ranger Broilers!

Don’t be Left in the Dark about our Latest Products and News

First Place Winner

2nd Place Winner

3rd Place Winner

4th Place Winner

5th Place Winner

6th Place Winner

Congratulations again to our winners!