McMurray Hatchery Blog
Hatchery News, Updates and Information on Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys and Other Poultry
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.
Keep Your Chickens Healthy and Producing During Winter Months
As the weather turns cold, it is time to start thinking about winterizing your coop so your chickens stay healthy and produce eggs through the colder months. To help you, we have compiled a list of basic winterizing tips. Prevent frost bite of the feet and combs by...
2017 Catalog Photo Contest Winners
The 2017 Murray McMurray catalog — our 100th Anniversary catalog — will be extra special next year with a little help from some of our friends who have submitted photos to one of our photo contests. These photos were selected for use in the upcoming anniversary...
Tips to Predator-Proof Your Coop
Whether you live in town or live in the suburbs, keeping your birds safe is a challenging task as they attract all kinds of predators. Nothing is worse than finding an injured, dead or missing flock member, so we decided to compile ten tips that will help you...
Tips to Help Your Chickens Stay Cool This Summer
The summer heat doesn’t just take its toll on humans, it affects our feathered friends as well. It is difficult for chickens to stay cool during the summer months, so the more you can do to assist them, the better off you will all be. Chickens don't sweat, so they...
Shop Day-Old Baby Chicks
Day-old baby chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other poultry now available for the 2026 season!