Sussex

Really good experienceThis was our first flock and we had zero experience with chickens. We ordered 16 chicks in total, 8 Dominiques, 7 Speckled Sussex and 1 mystery chick which turned out to be a Buff Cochin. I figured we would lose some chicks along the way while we learned to care for them. All the chicks arrived in good condition. It has been 7 weeks and we have not lost any birds. They are developing well, growing fast and eating a lot. The Dominiques are so gentle and calm. Most of them will come up to me and allow me to just put my hand under their chest and pick them up without any fuss. They absolutely love to forage in the leaf litter and grass! The Speckled Sussex are more energetic and inquisitive. They are the first ones to come investigate but they also will sit on your lap and allow you to pet them as long as there is not anything else getting their attention. The Speckled Sussex also love to forage. The Buff Cochin is the goofy one of the bunch! He or She (I'm assuming he) looks so funny when he runs! He is my wife's favorite because he is so goofy. The Cochin is usually the last one to come out of the coop and is more skittish than the other breeds although he is so much bigger than the others. He reminds me of Baby Huey! So far this has been a great experience. I am glad I ordered from Murray McMurray Hatchery and I would do so again.

DisappointedI ordered 6 Sussex, 4 hens, 2 roosters. I received 5 of the breed, one assumingly having jumped ship while in transit. That being said, Mcmurray promptly issued a credit. My disappointment lies in the gross deformity of one of the birds in this group, multiple extra toes, and the distinctly "runty" nature of yet another bird. The runt has remained 1/4 the size and character of the other birds. While my past experience with Mcmurray poultry has been generally positive, I will be looking elsewhere for speckled Sussex stock.