I wanted to share my honest experience with Tractor Supply Company and their chick supplier, Hoover's Hatchery. For context, I purchased Black Copper Marans (BCM) with the intention of raising birds closer to SOP (Standard of Perfection) quality. Unfortunately, this ended up being one of my more disappointing decisions. To be fair, for common backyard poultry or general-purpose birds, Tractor Supply and Hoover’s Hatchery may still be a convenient and reliable source. Their availability, accessibility, and basic stock seem well-suited for beginners or those not focused on breed standards. However, when it comes to more specialized or heritage breeds—especially if your goal is to work toward SOP quality—the results can fall short. The BCM I received lacked the consistency, traits, and overall quality typically expected from birds bred with standard conformation in mind. This makes it difficult for anyone serious about breeding, showing, or improving bloodlines. In hindsight, I would strongly recommend sourcing higher-end or SOP-focused breeds directly from reputable, specialized breeders rather than large-scale hatcheries. While hatcheries serve a purpose, they may not meet the expectations of those aiming for true breed standards. Overall, this experience was a learning lesson. Tractor Supply and Hoover’s Hatchery are fine for general poultry needs, but for those striving for quality and precision in specific breeds, it’s worth investing the extra time and effort into more dedicated breeding programs.

All growing fast and arrived alive and healthy

Ordered 10 Black Copper Maran baby chicks. USPS kept them for 24hrs in an unheated warehouse - 7 arrived dead, 3 more super weak. I sent a contact email saying 7 were dead. I was up all night feeding yolk in a syringe but the other 3 died too. I called and they said they'd send 10 more, but once I saw the shipping box that was totally uninsulated I called back and canceled the order. A week later I got a refund from the initial email for only 7 of them. I found another hatchery a few hours away and drove there and got 20 healthy chicks for less than half the price online. I've bought live chicks with 100% success before from TSC but this time a badly packaged hatchery and USPS negligence killed the little babies.

Chicks arrived safe and sound. Easy to order and fast delivery.