McMurray Hatchery: Your Century-Old Source For Rare Poultry
For over a century, Murray McMurray Hatchery has stood as a beacon for poultry enthusiasts across the United States, cementing its reputation as the oldest and largest rare breed hatchery in the nation. It's more than just a business; it's a living legacy, dedicated to preserving genetic diversity and empowering countless homesteaders, small farmers, hobbyists, and backyard flock owners to embark on their poultry adventures with confidence. From the moment you consider adding new life to your farm or garden, the name Murray McMurray Hatchery signifies a commitment to quality, variety, and unparalleled expertise.
Whether you're seeking robust laying hens, unique show birds, or productive meat breeds, the journey often begins with a reliable source. Murray McMurray Hatchery offers an expansive selection that caters to every need, from the common to the exceptionally rare. Their dedication to healthy, high-quality chicks and poultry, backed by generations of experience, makes them an indispensable partner in the world of avian husbandry. This article delves into what makes McMurray Hatchery a trusted name, exploring its vast offerings, commitment to heritage breeds, and the valuable resources it provides to poultry keepers nationwide.
Table of Contents
- A Century of Excellence: The Legacy of Murray McMurray Hatchery
- Unrivaled Selection: From Chicks to Peafowl
- Quality You Can Trust: APA Certification and Health
- Supporting Every Poultry Dream: Supplies and Guidance
- Navigating the McMurray Experience: Catalog and Online Tools
- Spotlight on Unique Breeds: A Closer Look
- Why Choose Murray McMurray Hatchery?
- Your Journey Starts Here
- Conclusion
A Century of Excellence: The Legacy of Murray McMurray Hatchery
The story of Murray McMurray Hatchery is one rooted in deep passion and unwavering commitment to the poultry industry. For over 100 years, this venerable institution has been at the forefront of hatching the highest quality baby chicks and other poultry and waterfowl. This isn't merely a claim; it's a testament to generations of dedicated work, continuous improvement, and an enduring love for birds. In an industry where quality and reliability are paramount, especially when dealing with live animals, McMurray Hatchery's century-long track record speaks volumes. Their longevity is a direct result of consistently delivering healthy, vibrant birds and providing exceptional service to their diverse customer base. What began as a small operation has blossomed into the largest and oldest rare breed hatchery in the United States, a true pioneer in the preservation of avian genetics. This historical depth means they possess an unparalleled understanding of poultry breeding, health, and care, knowledge that is meticulously applied to every single chick, duckling, gosling, or poult that leaves their facility. Their commitment extends beyond just hatching; it's about fostering a sustainable future for various poultry breeds, ensuring that the rich tapestry of avian life continues to thrive for future generations of farmers and enthusiasts. When you choose Murray McMurray Hatchery, you're not just buying birds; you're investing in a legacy of excellence and a future of healthy, productive flocks.Unrivaled Selection: From Chicks to Peafowl
One of the most compelling reasons poultry enthusiasts turn to Murray McMurray Hatchery is their truly unparalleled selection. They proudly carry the widest selection of rare and exotic breeds, alongside popular commercial varieties, making them a one-stop shop for virtually any poultry need. This vast array ensures that whether you're a homesteader looking for dual-purpose birds, a small farmer aiming for a niche market, a hobbyist seeking unique show birds, or simply a backyard flock owner desiring a colorful and productive flock, you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Their commitment to variety is evident across all categories, from chickens to waterfowl and even ornamental fowl. The convenience of being able to view their entire catalog, search for specific breeds, or choose a category makes the selection process straightforward and enjoyable. This user-friendly approach, combined with the sheer depth of their offerings, underscores why Murray McMurray Hatchery remains a leader in the industry. They understand that each poultry keeper has unique goals, and they strive to provide the genetic diversity and specific breeds necessary to achieve those aspirations.Championing Heritage Chicken Breeds
At the heart of McMurray Hatchery's mission is the preservation and promotion of heritage chicken breeds. These are breeds that retain traits for natural mating, long productive outdoor lifespans, and slow growth rates, making them ideal for sustainable farming practices. For the 2025 season, Murray McMurray Hatchery is proud to offer seven heritage breeds of chickens that are APA (American Poultry Association) certified. This certification is a crucial indicator of the breed's authenticity and adherence to specific breed standards, providing peace of mind for buyers interested in purebred stock. These certified heritage breeds include:- Dominique: A dual-purpose American breed known for its hardiness and excellent foraging ability.
- Lakenvelder: A striking black and white breed, renowned for its active nature and good egg production.
- White Langshan: A large, stately bird with feathering on its legs, known for its gentle temperament and brown eggs.
- Buff Plymouth Rock: A popular dual-purpose breed, valued for its docile nature and consistent egg laying.
- Partridge Plymouth Rock: Another beautiful Plymouth Rock variety, celebrated for its intricate feather pattern and robust build.
- Silver Penciled Plymouth Rock: A visually stunning bird with a unique penciling pattern, offering both beauty and utility.
- White Naked Neck: An intriguing and hardy breed, easily recognizable by its featherless neck, known for heat tolerance and good production.
- White Polish: A highly ornamental breed with a distinctive crest, often kept for exhibition and their charming personalities.
The Allure of Ducks and Geese
Beyond chickens, Murray McMurray Hatchery also offers an impressive array of heritage and hybrid duck and goose breeds. Waterfowl are increasingly popular for their hardiness, pest control abilities, and delicious eggs and meat. McMurray Hatchery ensures that customers have access to a wide variety of options, whether they are looking for productive layers, efficient foragers, or simply charming additions to their pond. Among their distinguished duck breeds, the Rouen duck stands out. Rouen ducks are an attractive breed of waterfowl, named after the French city where they originated. These ducks are strikingly similar in color to the wild flying Mallard. Male drakes boast a lustrous green head and neck, a rich purplish-brown chest, and steel-gray penciling on the upper body. Female hens are mahogany brown with fine penciling of greenish-black or brown, providing excellent camouflage. Some people refer to Rouens as "the Mallard's larger cousin" due to their size and coloration, making them a favorite for both exhibition and meat production. For geese enthusiasts, breeds like the Sebastopol geese are a true spectacle. Sebastopol geese have long, curly white feathers on their back and front which nearly touch the ground, contrasting with their smooth neck feathers. Their unique appearance makes them highly sought after for ornamental purposes, though they also make excellent guardians for other poultry. The availability of such diverse waterfowl at McMurray Hatchery underscores their comprehensive approach to poultry supply.Beyond the Barnyard: Exotic Fowl
McMurray Hatchery's commitment to offering the widest selection extends to even more exotic and ornamental fowl. For those seeking truly unique birds, they provide the highest quality peafowl. These magnificent birds, known for their dazzling plumage and distinctive calls, add an unparalleled touch of elegance and wonder to any property. Visiting mcmurrayhatchery.com will reveal the stunning variety of peafowl available, allowing enthusiasts to select the perfect addition to their collection. The inclusion of such specialized birds demonstrates Murray McMurray Hatchery's dedication to serving every facet of the poultry community, from practical farmers to collectors of rare and beautiful species. This broad spectrum of offerings is a testament to their deep knowledge and extensive network within the avian world.Quality You Can Trust: APA Certification and Health
When purchasing live poultry, trust and quality are paramount. Murray McMurray Hatchery understands this implicitly, which is why their commitment to health and genetic integrity is so strong. Their long-standing reputation, built over a century, is founded on the principle of hatching the highest quality baby chicks and other poultry. This isn't just about quantity; it's about the vitality and robustness of each bird. The APA (American Poultry Association) certification for their heritage chicken breeds, such as the Dominique, Lakenvelder, and various Plymouth Rock varieties, is a significant indicator of their dedication to breed standards and genetic purity. This certification assures buyers that the birds they receive conform to the recognized characteristics of their breed, which is vital for breeding programs, exhibition purposes, and maintaining true heritage lines. Furthermore, their focus on breeds like the Chocolate turkey, which are one of the larger heritage turkey varieties but without the health and mobility issues often seen in other large breeds, highlights their selective breeding practices aimed at promoting healthy, functional animals. This meticulous attention to detail and health is a cornerstone of the Murray McMurray Hatchery experience, ensuring that customers receive strong, healthy birds ready to thrive.Supporting Every Poultry Dream: Supplies and Guidance
Murray McMurray Hatchery's role extends far beyond merely selling birds. They recognize that successful poultry keeping requires the right tools and knowledge. Therefore, they also provide a comprehensive range of poultry supplies to assist homesteaders, small farmers, hobbyists, and backyard flocks. This holistic approach ensures that customers have access to everything they need, from brooding equipment and feeders to health supplements and housing solutions, all in one convenient place. Their commitment to supporting poultry dreams is also evident in the wealth of information they provide. While not explicitly stated in the provided data, a hatchery of their caliber inevitably offers guidance through their catalog, website, and customer service. They understand the challenges and joys of raising poultry and strive to be a valuable resource for both seasoned keepers and newcomers alike. This dedication to customer success reinforces their position as a trusted partner in the poultry community, making the journey of raising birds smoother and more rewarding.Navigating the McMurray Experience: Catalog and Online Tools
Accessing the vast selection and valuable resources of Murray McMurray Hatchery is made simple through their well-established channels. For those who prefer a tangible guide, completing the form to request a free catalog from Murray McMurray Hatchery is a cherished tradition. This catalog is more than just a list of birds; it's often a comprehensive guide, filled with beautiful illustrations, detailed breed descriptions, and helpful tips, making it an invaluable resource for planning your flock. In the digital age, their website, mcmurrayhatchery.com, serves as an equally robust platform. Here, customers can view all chick, poultry, and other fowl breeds by dates available, allowing for precise planning and ordering. The ability to search, choose categories, and even create a new account (with a reminder to not save information locally if using a public computer) streamlines the purchasing process. This blend of traditional and modern accessibility ensures that every potential customer can easily explore the offerings of Murray McMurray Hatchery and make informed decisions about their poultry acquisitions. The online platform is continuously updated, providing the most current availability and information, making it an essential tool for any serious poultry enthusiast.Spotlight on Unique Breeds: A Closer Look
While Murray McMurray Hatchery offers an extensive range, some breeds truly stand out for their unique characteristics, historical significance, or rarity. These specialized offerings underscore the hatchery's dedication to preserving genetic diversity and providing options that go beyond the ordinary. Let's take a closer look at a few of these fascinating birds that exemplify the diverse selection available.The Majestic Rouen Duck
The Rouen duck, a breed of waterfowl, holds a special place among enthusiasts. Named after the French city of its origin, Rouens are celebrated for their striking beauty and substantial size. Their plumage closely mimics that of the wild Mallard, but on a much grander scale. Male drakes are a spectacle with their iridescent green head and neck, a rich purplish-brown chest, and sophisticated steel-gray penciling on their upper body. The female hens, equally beautiful, display a mahogany brown body with fine, intricate penciling of greenish-black or brown, providing excellent camouflage in natural settings. These ducks are not just ornamental; they are also valued for their meat production, though they grow slower than some commercial breeds, yielding a richer flavor. Their calm temperament makes them a delightful addition to any farm or large backyard, and their distinct appearance makes them easily recognizable.The Rare Chocolate Turkey
For turkey aficionados, the Chocolate turkey represents a truly rare and captivating breed. As its name suggests, this variety boasts beautiful brown feathers, complemented by brown shanks and feet. Chocolates are one of the larger heritage turkey varieties, yet they stand apart from some other large breeds due to their notable absence of common health and mobility issues. This makes them a more robust and sustainable choice for those looking to raise larger turkeys without the associated concerns of leg problems or other genetic predispositions often found in faster-growing commercial strains. Their rarity adds to their appeal, making them a prized possession for those dedicated to preserving unique poultry genetics and enjoying a bird with a distinct flavor profile.The Elegant Sebastopol Goose
Among the goose breeds, the Sebastopol goose is arguably one of the most visually stunning and unique. These geese are instantly recognizable by their long, curly white feathers that adorn their back and front, often nearly touching the ground. This dramatic feathering creates a soft, almost ethereal appearance, contrasting beautifully with their smooth neck feathers. While primarily kept for their ornamental value and striking beauty, Sebastopols are also known for their generally docile temperament, making them approachable and charming additions to a flock. Their unique feather structure requires some attention, especially in muddy conditions, but their unparalleled elegance makes them a favorite for those seeking a truly distinctive waterfowl breed.Why Choose Murray McMurray Hatchery?
The decision of where to source your poultry is critical, impacting the health, productivity, and overall success of your flock. Choosing Murray McMurray Hatchery means opting for a partner with over a century of experience and an unwavering commitment to quality. Their status as the oldest and largest rare breed hatchery in the United States isn't just a title; it's a reflection of their deep expertise, authoritative standing in the industry, and trustworthiness earned through generations of reliable service. They offer not only the widest selection of rare and exotic breeds but also a guarantee of high-quality, healthy birds. The emphasis on APA certified heritage breeds for the 2025 season, the availability of robust waterfowl like Rouen ducks and Sebastopol geese, and unique turkeys like the Chocolate variety, all underscore their dedication to genetic diversity and breed integrity. For homesteaders, small farmers, hobbyists, and backyard flock owners, McMurray Hatchery provides the foundation for a successful and rewarding poultry journey, backed by comprehensive supplies and a user-friendly ordering system. When your money and the life of your future flock are on the line, choosing a reputable and experienced source like Murray McMurray Hatchery is a decision that pays dividends in peace of mind and healthy, thriving birds.Your Journey Starts Here
Embarking on the adventure of raising poultry is an incredibly rewarding experience, whether your goal is fresh eggs, sustainable meat, pest control, or simply the joy of watching a vibrant flock. With Murray McMurray Hatchery, you have a trusted guide and supplier every step of the way. Their extensive catalog, user-friendly website (mcmurrayhatchery.com), and unparalleled selection of chicks, poultry, and waterfowl make the process of acquiring your birds simple and reliable. You can easily view all chick, poultry, and other fowl breeds by dates available, ensuring you plan your flock additions perfectly. From requesting your free catalog to creating a new account online, every interaction with Murray McMurray Hatchery is designed to be straightforward and supportive. They are not just selling birds; they are providing the genetic building blocks for your poultry dreams, backed by over 100 years of expertise. Your success in raising healthy, productive, and beautiful birds is their ultimate goal.Conclusion
Murray McMurray Hatchery stands as a true titan in the poultry world, a testament to enduring quality and dedication over more than a century. As the oldest and largest rare breed hatchery in the United States, their legacy is built on providing the highest quality baby chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, and even peafowl. Their commitment to preserving heritage breeds, offering APA certified chickens for 2025, and supplying a vast array of rare and exotic poultry makes them an indispensable resource for anyone looking to start or expand their flock. From the unique characteristics of Rouen ducks and Chocolate turkeys to the elegant beauty of Sebastopol geese, McMurray Hatchery offers unparalleled diversity and reliability. If you're considering adding poultry to your life, whether for homesteading, farming, or simply as a beloved hobby, look no further than Murray McMurray Hatchery. We encourage you to visit mcmurrayhatchery.com to explore their extensive offerings, request your free catalog, and begin your own rewarding journey with the finest poultry available. Share your experiences with us in the comments below, or share this article with fellow poultry enthusiasts who are looking for a trusted source. Your next flock adventure awaits!
Murray McMurray Hatchery Blog
Murray McMurray Hatchery Blog
Murray McMurray Hatchery Blog
