McMurray Hatchery Blog
Hatchery News, Updates and Information on Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys and Other Poultry
Raising Poultry for Fall Family and Holiday Meals
September is an ideal time to start chicks for Fall family and holiday meals. Here are a few of our favorite breeds for meat production.
What is a “Broody Hen” and How to Deal With It
It is normal for hens to go broody and some breeds are more prone to it than others. We thought we’d share some general information with you. For those contemplating raising chickens or for the newbies, let’s start off with what broody means — it means that a hen...
Getting Your Poultry Ready for Show Season
Show season is right around the corner and we wanted to share some simple tips to help you maximize your experience and hopefully assist you with bringing home a few ribbons. We’ve found basic preparation is critical to getting your birds to look their best. BATHING...
Provide a Safe and Comfortable Coop for Your Chickens
Even though coops may vary from one to another, there are some common items that you need to keep in mind to ensure that your chickens are kept safe and perform at an optimal level. We’ve gathered some basic information to get you started on creating a safe and...
Tips to Keep Your Chickens Cool During the Summer
With summer approaching, you’ll want to start thinking about keeping your chickens cool. Here are some tips to keeping your chickens cool this summer.
2017 Best of Breeds Photo Contest: Bantams
Do you have a bantam rooster or hen that is the best in its breed? Over the next three weeks, we are looking for images of Bantams who exemplify their best in breed to be featured in our upcoming catalog and/or website. Entries should be a clear, close-up photo...
Safe Table Scraps for Chickens
Most chickens enjoy table scraps but it is important to feed them in moderation and use them as a special treat because they are not part of a balanced diet.
May is National Egg Month
May is National Egg Month and we will be celebrating throughout the entire month here at the McMurray Hatchery. To help kick off the month, we thought we’d share some facts about eggs that you may or may not know.
Spring Photo Contest Winners Announced
Congratulations to our Spring is in the Air 2017 photo contest winners.
February Photo Contest Winners Announced
Congratulations to our February 2017 photo contest winners. These winning photos will be be used on our website, and each entrant will receive a Murray McMurray Gift Certificate. We received over 675 entries in this photo contest — thank you to everyone who entered!...
Understanding Feed Categories for Optimal Growth
Providing your flock with a balanced and nutrient-rich diet will help them achieve optimal growth, maximize egg production, have adequate weight gain and build their resistance to various diseases. It is important that you understand the difference between the various...
How to Store Your Eggs for Maximum Freshness
We all know that the freshest eggs come directly from your chicken but, more often than not, you will have to store your eggs for a few days or possibly a few weeks. So, what is the best way to store eggs so they remain fresh until ready for use? Eggs that have been...
Reducing Stress in Your Flock
Reducing or limiting stress is one of the best things you can do to keep your flock healthy and productive. Similar to how stress affects humans, in poultry it can lead to many problems including: reduced egg production, poor rate of growth and development, and...
The Farm-to-Table Movement Wouldn’t Be Successful Today Without the Mail Order Chick Business
Note: The following article will appear in an upcoming issue of Dirt Magazine discussing Murray McMurray Hatchery’s stance on the mail order chick business. The growth of the farm-to-table movement wouldn’t be as successful as it is today without the mail order chick...
Options for Starting your own Flock of Chickens
Raising chickens is becoming more and more popular with homesteaders, hobbyists, urban farmers, and those wanting to have an organic resource for their eggs and meat. When starting out, you have several options for populating your flock. Each have their advantages and disadvantages so it is important to look at your situation to find the right fit.
Shop Day-Old Baby Chicks
Day-old baby chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other poultry now available for the 2025 season — always with FREE SHIPPING on all full orders of baby birds!