McMurray Hatchery Blog
Hatchery News, Updates and Information on Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys and Other PoultryUnderstanding 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...
Poultry Show Season is Right Around the Corner
Showing poultry can be a fun hobby enjoyed by the entire family. With the show season knocking at the door, we wanted to share some simple tips to help you maximize your experience and hopefully bring home a ribbon. BATHING — It is important to thoroughly bath your...
The Winners of the McMurray Spring Chicken Photo Contest
A lot of really great photos were entered into our Spring 2016 Photo Contest. The contest is now over, and here are the winning photos: First Place First place goes to Nora Lantagne. As a prize, she will receive a $100 gift certificate. Second Place Second place goes...
Spring 2016 Chicken Photo Contest Now Open
Now that you've rated the photos to select the 10 finalists, it's time to rate the finalist photos in order to choose the winner. Click the link below to see and rate the finalist photos: >>> Rate Finalist Photos Contest Schedule You can enter...
2016 Photo Contest #1
We're excited to announce our first photo contest of 2016! For this contest, we are looking for photos of people working with their chickens -- feeding and watering them, gathering eggs, moving portable coops on pasture, or similar things. Please include a good...
“Noah’s Ark Project” — An Update
Background: As we've mentioned previously, in May of 2015, Murray McMurray Hatchery brought a truckload of 3,700 newly-hatched chicks to Joe Claborn's farm in Texas for safekeeping as Avian Influenza was spreading in the U.S. and in Iowa. The project has informally...
Resources on Raising Chickens
Getting Started Why Do You Raise Chickens? How to Start Your Flock Brooding Day Old Chicks How to Introduce New Chickens into Your Existing Flock Water and Waterers Don't Let Your Chickens Run Out of Water The Importance of Water Keeping the Chicken Water from...
Shop Day-Old Baby Chicks
Day-old baby chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other poultry now available for the 2026 season!