With so many developments and activities going on at Murray McMurray Hatchery it’s hard to know where to begin.

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!