Stromberg Chickens: Breeds, Reviews & Buying Guide 2025

Starting your first backyard chicken flock is one of the most exciting projects you can tackle. I remember when I first started, the sheer number of choices was overwhelming. Learn about the common mistakes every first-time chicken keeper makes so you can avoid them from the start. You’ve got to pick a coop, the right feed, and most importantly, where to buy your chicks. You’ve probably seen the name Stromberg Chickens pop up. They’re one of the oldest and biggest names in the business for backyard chicken owners in the USA.

But does being one of the biggest mean they’re the best choice for you? I’ve spent a lot of time researching hatcheries, and it’s clear that Stromberg Chickens is more than just a place to buy birds. They’re a massive supplier of equipment, books, and just about everything else you need. This guide will cover everything you need to know: their history, how their business works, the breeds they offer, what real customers think, and exactly how to order.

What Are Stromberg Chickens Known For?

This is a great question, and I’ve seen beginners get confused. First off, “Stromberg Chickens” isn’t a specific breed of chicken, like a Leghorn or an Orpington. Stromberg Chickens is a large, well-known poultry hatchery and supplier that sells many different breeds of day-old chicks and a vast catalog of poultry supplies.

The Stromberg Family Business: A Century of Poultry

What are they known for? Variety and history. This is a Stromberg family business that has been around for over 100 years. You’ll see founding dates of both 1921 and 1923, but either way, they’ve been shipping poultry from the Midwest for a long time. Operations were moved to Pine River, Minnesota in the mid-1970s (sources cite both 1970 and 1975), and the company grew from a small family operation into one of the largest mail-order poultry companies in the country.

Today, the company is still in the family, with folks like Eric Stromberg (Director of Poultry) helping lead the company. They are known for being a one-stop shop. You can get your baby chicks, but you can also get your brooder equipment, feeders, waterers, and even books on how to raise them, all in one order. They’ve built their reputation on this massive selection.

The Hatchery Model: How Do They Offer So Much?

It’s helpful to understand that most large hatcheries, including Stromberg’s, don’t personally raise all 200+ varieties of parent birds on one farm. Instead, they often work with a network of “partnering breeders” who supply them with high-quality hatching eggs.

Stromberg’s then incubates, hatches, and ships the chicks to you. This model is what allows them to offer such an incredible variety. The tradeoff is that some birds may not be “show quality” or perfectly meet the American Poultry Association’s ‘Standard of Perfection’, like birds from a small, specialized breeder would. For 99% of backyard keepers who just want healthy, productive birds, this is a great system.

Knowing the company’s history and business model is helpful, but it’s just as important to know where they are and how they get products to you.

Stromberg Hatchery Location and Operations

If you’re looking for the main Stromberg hatchery location, your map gets a little interesting. The company’s heart and history are in Pine River, Minnesota, which is still its official headquarters.

However, in 2019-2020, Stromberg’s was acquired by Mann Lake Ltd., a large supplier of beekeeping and poultry products. This has expanded their physical footprint. While Pine River is the HQ, you can’t just walk in to buy chicks.

Can I Visit Stromberg Hatchery in Person?

For most people, the answer is no. Stromberg Chickens operates primarily as an online, mail-order business. They’ve perfected the model of shipping day-old chicks safely through the mail, which is how most backyard keepers get their flocks started. Their website is their main “storefront.”

Retail & Distribution Partner Locations

Through their parent company, Mann Lake, Stromberg’s has a network of partner retail and distribution centers across the USA. These locations are primarily focused on supplies (beekeeping, poultry equipment, etc.), not for picking up live chicks. If you live near one, it can be a great place to get your chicken coop supplies and brooder equipment without paying for shipping.

These locations include:

• Hackensack, MN
• Woodland, CA
• Marshall, TX
• Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Clarkson, KY
• Winter Haven, FL

The real magic of Stromberg’s isn’t their physical stores, but the incredible variety of birds they can ship from their hatchery to your post office.

What Breeds of Chickens Does Stromberg Offer?

This is where Stromberg Chickens really shines. When I looked at their recent catalog, they listed over 200 varieties of birds. That’s a huge number, and it covers just about every category you can think of.

This isn’t just about baby chicks. They offer a wide range of poultry. This includes:

• Heritage Breeds: Classic, old-world chicken breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association.
• Egg Layers: Breeds that have been developed for high egg production.
• Dual-Purpose Breeds: Birds that are good for both eggs and meat.
• Game Birds: Such as pheasants, quail, and partridges.
• Waterfowl: A large selection of ducks and geese.

They really do have something for everyone, from the person who just wants a few brown eggs to the hobbyist looking for rare, ornamental birds.

Best Egg Laying Breeds from Stromberg

If your main goal is a basket full of fresh eggs, you’re asking, “Are Stromberg chickens good egg layers?” The answer is yes, if you pick the right breeds. According to research from Mississippi State University Extension, different breeds have vastly different production levels. Here are some of the best egg laying chickens from Stromberg:

• Leghorn (White): This is your classic white egg-laying machine. They are production champs, capable of laying over 280 white eggs per year. They are light-bodied, eat less feed, and are very heat-tolerant, but can be flighty and nervous.
• Rhode Island Red: A fantastic and popular choice. They are hardy, friendly, and great producers of 250+ large brown eggs a year (with some sources citing 260 annually). A true American classic. If you’re trying to decide on the easiest chicken breed for beginners, Rhode Island Reds consistently rank at the top of the list.
• Red Star / Cinnamon Queen: These are modern hybrid breeds. They are “sex-linked” (you can tell males from females at hatch by their color) and are bred to be egg-laying superstars, often laying over 300 brown eggs in their first year.
• Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock): An American heritage breed. They are calm, dependable, and great all-around birds. They lay a dependable 200-250 light brown eggs per year and are very cold-hardy.
• Australorp: A beautiful, glossy black chicken from Australia. They are known for being sweet-tempered and good layers of 250+ brown eggs. (A hen from this breed famously set a world record of 364 eggs in 365 days back in the 1920s!)

Beginner-Friendly Breeds

If you’re just starting, your “best chicken” is one that is calm, hardy, and forgiving. Here are some of the best chicken breeds for beginners you can get from Stromberg:

• Buff Orpington: These are the “golden retrievers” of the chicken world. They are very friendly, make great pets, and are also good layers of 200+ brown eggs. They are very cold-hardy due to their fluffy feathers but can overheat in hot climates. Read our complete Buff Orpington chicken guide for detailed care instructions, temperament insights, and what to expect at every life stage.
• Rhode Island Red: They make this list again because they are so hardy and versatile. A great all-around bird that’s a perfect first chicken.
• Plymouth Rock: Another great, calm, all-weather bird that’s perfect for a backyard flock. Their “barred” (black and white) pattern is iconic.
• Speckled Sussex: These are beautiful, curious, and calm birds. They’re good layers (around 260 eggs/year) and are known for being very gentle and chatty.

Dual-Purpose Breeds (For Eggs & Meat)

In a podcast interview, Eric Stromberg talked about the value of dual-purpose breeds. The idea is that you can raise a flock, keep the hens for eggs, and process the extra roosters for meat at around 17 weeks. This is a very traditional, sustainable way to keep chickens.

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the top breeds Stromberg offers:

More Than Just Chickens: Game Birds and Waterfowl

Don’t overlook the “and game birds” in their catalog. Stromberg’s offers a fascinating selection of other birds, including Stromberg chicks and game birds. This includes:

• Chinese Ringneck Pheasant: Popular for stocking and hunting.
• Chukar Partridge: A hardy game bird, also used for hunting preserves and training bird dogs.
• Bobwhite Quail: A small, fast-growing bird that’s great for eggs, meat, or training dogs.
• Ducks & Geese: A wide variety of waterfowl for eggs, meat, or just as pets (like Khaki Campbells or Pekins).

Choosing the bird is just the first step. Stromberg’s has built its business on selling you everything else you need, too.

Product Offerings Beyond Live Birds

One of the big advantages of ordering from Stromberg Chickens is that you can get everything else you need at the same time. They’ve moved way beyond just selling live chicks. Their catalog of poultry supplies is huge.

• Hatching Eggs: For those who want to experience the hatch themselves, you can buy Stromberg chickens eggs for hatching.
• Poultry Equipment: A massive selection of feeders, waterers, and other poultry supplies.
• Brooder Equipment: Everything you need for your baby chicks, including heat lamps, plates, and bedding.
• Complete Starter Kits: These are great for beginners and bundle a brooder, feeder, waterer, and feed.

Incubators and Hatching Gear

This is a category where they’ve really expanded. You can find everything from a basic styrofoam incubator for a school project to high-tech, professional-grade models. Their catalog features brands like Rcom, which are known for their advanced features.

• Rcom Pro / Rcom 50 Do Max: These cabinet incubators are for the serious hobbyist. They feature digital controls for temperature and humidity, automatic egg turning, and a large “easy view” window. They take the guesswork out of hatching.

Beyond the Brooder: Poultry Processing Equipment

For those raising dual-purpose birds for meat, Stromberg’s is a major supplier of processing equipment. Hands-on reviews (including some from 2025) praise their range of gear:

• Scalders: They offer units like a 14.5-gallon stainless steel scalder. This is a critical tool that heats water to the perfect temperature to loosen feathers. Reviews note it’s a huge time-saver, though it can take up to two hours to pre-heat.
• Pluckers: You can buy a stainless-steel plucker with rubber “fingers” that will strip the feathers off a scalded bird in under 30 seconds.
• Professional Models: For bigger operations, they even sell 29-gallon professional-grade scalders that require a 220V outlet and can speed up processing for larger batches or turkeys.

With so many products and live animals being shipped, the customer experience is a critical part of the puzzle.

Stromberg Hatchery Reviews: What Customers Say

This is the big question, right? “Is Stromberg a reliable hatchery?” I’ve read through hundreds of reviews to get a balanced picture. Like any company that ships live animals, the Stromberg’s Chickens review profile is mixed, but here’s what I found.

Positive Customer Experiences

There are a lot of happy customers. The most common positive points are:

• Healthy Chicks: Many customers report their chicks arrived healthy, vigorous, and started eating and drinking right away.
• Fast Shipping: When things go right, the shipping is fast (2-3 days), which is critical for day-old chicks.
• Good Customer Service: Several reviews mention a good Stromberg customer service experience when they had to call with a question or an issue.
• “Extra” Chicks: This is a big one. One customer said, “Out of 30 chicks, one arrived dead but they added 2 extra.” Stromberg Chickens (and many other hatcheries) often add one or two extra chicks to an order to cover potential losses during shipping.

Common Customer Concerns

Now, let’s look at the other side. It’s important to be objective. The most common complaints I’ve seen include:

• Shipping Delays: This is the #1 issue. Sometimes, orders are delayed, or the shipping itself takes longer than expected (some reports of 8-10 days). This is extremely stressful for the chicks and the customer.
• DOA (Dead on Arrival) Issues: This is the sad reality of shipping live animals. Some customers report a high number of chicks arriving dead, especially on delayed shipments. Following USDA biosecurity guidelines is crucial for all flock owners, and shipping stress can challenge a new chick’s health.
• Sex-Link Accuracy: People who order all-female (pullet) chicks are sometimes frustrated to find a rooster or two in their batch.
• Hatching Egg Fertility: Some customers have had low hatch rates from hatching eggs, which can be caused by shipping stress, not just low fertility.

Understanding the “Dead on Arrival” (DOA) and Shipping Policy

This is critical to understand before you order. It’s important to understand how shipping live animals works. Like many hatcheries, once the chicks are given to the mail carrier, the responsibility for them (in transit) becomes a matter for the carrier and the customer. This is why their policies stress immediate action on your part.

What this means for you:

1. Inspect Your Shipment: It is your responsibility to inspect the merchandise when it arrives at the post office.
2. Note Any Damage: If there are losses, you must note the damage before you sign for the package. Open the box at the post office if you can.
3. Contact Stromberg’s: Contact them immediately to report the losses so they can file a claim with the carrier on your behalf. They typically require you to report losses within 24-48 hours and will ask for photos.

This process is key to getting a refund or replacement. Knowing this policy in advance can save you a lot of frustration.

Understanding the policies is one thing; the ordering process is the next step.

Ordering Process and What to Expect

Ready to make an order? Here’s a general guide for how to order chicks from Stromberg.

Step-by-Step Ordering Guide

1. Check Availability: Go to their website and browse the Stromberg chickens for sale. Popular breeds sell out fast, especially in the spring. You may need to call for specific breeds.
2. Select Your Delivery Date: You don’t just “order” and have them show up. You will select a “hatch week” or “ship week” that works for you, often months in advance.
3. Coordinate with Your Post Office: This is a pro tip. Your live chicks will be shipped to your local post office for you to pick up. Call your post office and let them know you are expecting a shipment of live animals. They will often call you the moment the chicks arrive (even at 5 AM!) so they aren’t sitting in a cold building.
4. Prepare Your Brooder: Do this days before your chicks ship. Review our complete guide on bringing chicks home: 15 must-haves to ensure you don’t forget anything critical. Get your brooder set up and the heat lamp running to make sure the temperature is stable.
5. Arrival Day: Go get your chicks immediately. Get them home, and one by one, gently dip their beaks in the water and then place them under the heat source.

Shipping and Delivery Timeline

You’re probably wondering about the hatchery shipping time. Once the chicks hatch, they are packed and shipped the same day. USPS regulations (see section on “Live Animals”) allow for this because chicks can survive for up to 72 hours on the yolk they absorbed before hatching. The goal is to get them to you within 24-48 hours. This is why most hatcheries, including Stromberg’s, use USPS Priority Mail.

Preparing for Arrival: Expert Advice

This is the most important part. Instead of just “five elements,” here is a detailed breakdown of what your baby chicks must have the moment they arrive.

• Heat: Following Penn State Extension guidelines, a heat lamp or brooder plate must keep one area of the brooder at 95°F (35°C) for the first week. The key is to have a “hot spot” and a “cool spot” so chicks can move away from the heat if they get too warm.
• Water: Have fresh, room-temperature (not cold) water ready in a chick-safe waterer. Use a shallow one or add pebbles to a deeper one so they can’t fall in and drown.
• Feed: Have chick starter crumble available in a shallow feeder.
• Space & Housing: Your brooder (a large cardboard box or plastic tote works fine at first) needs to be free of drafts.
• Bedding: Use pine shavings (not cedar, which is toxic). Avoid slippery newspaper, which can cause leg problems.
• Sanitation: Keep the brooder clean and dry. Wet bedding can lead to chilling and disease. Remember to follow CDC guidelines for backyard poultry safety, like washing your hands after handling chicks.

⚠️ Watch for Common Chick Issues: Within the first 48 hours, check carefully for pasty butt, a common condition in young chicks that can be fatal if untreated. Having a chicken first aid kit ready can save lives in emergencies.

If your chicks arrive looking stressed or lethargic, get them into the warm brooder with water immediately. Adding electrolytes or a bit of sugar to the water can help them perk up.

What to Feed Your Stromberg Chickens Long-Term

Once your chicks graduate from starter feed (around 6-8 weeks), they’ll transition to grower feed and eventually layer feed when they begin producing eggs around 16-20 weeks. Understanding the best feeding schedule for backyard chickens helps maximize egg production and keep your flock healthy.

Now that you know what to buy and how to prepare, let’s talk about the final factor: price.

Are Stromberg Chickens Worth the Investment?

So, let’s talk about cost. Are Stromberg chickens good value?

Price Comparison

I’ll be direct: Stromberg Chickens is generally not the cheapest hatchery you’ll find.

• Chick Pricing: Their per-chick prices are often a bit higher than some large competitors.
• Shipping Costs: Shipping live animals is expensive, and these costs are passed on to you.
• Minimum Order: Like most hatcheries, they have a minimum order requirement (e.g., 15 or 25 chicks) to ensure the birds can keep each other warm during shipping.
• Small Order Charges: If you order fewer than the minimum, they may add a “small order charge.”

Understanding Your Total Investment The chicks are just the beginning. Before ordering, calculate your complete first-year costs, which include the coop, feed, supplies, and healthcare.

Value Considerations

But is price all that matters? Here’s the “value” side of the argument for Stromberg Chickens:

• Product Variety: Where else can you get 200+ breeds? If you want specific or rare birds, they are likely to have them.
• Equipment Bundling: The ability to buy your coop plans, brooder, Rcom incubator, and chicks in one cart is a huge time-saver for beginners.
• Customer Service: They have a phone number and a long-standing business.
• Long Business History: You’re buying from a company with over 100 years of experience. That’s a level of stability that many new companies don’t have.

Stromberg’s isn’t a “budget” hatchery, but a full-service supplier. That’s the main difference.

Alternatives and Comparisons

It’s always smart to shop around. How does Stromberg hatchery compare to the competition?

Stromberg vs. Murray McMurray Hatchery

These two are very similar and are often the top two choices.

• Murray McMurray Hatchery is also a huge, old-line hatchery with a massive catalog and a strong reputation.
• Policy: McMurray’s is very clear with their guarantees. They advertise a “48-Hour Livability Guarantee” and a “90% Sexing Accuracy Guarantee.”
• Focus: McMurray’s has also put a strong focus on getting many of their heritage breeds certified by the American Poultry Association (APA), which appeals to hobbyists who value breed standards.
• Choice: Both have a huge variety. Your choice might come down to which one has the specific breeds you want in stock for your chosen ship week.

Stromberg vs. Meyer Hatchery

• Meyer Hatchery is another popular choice, often known for slightly more competitive pricing on common breeds.
• Minimums: Meyer is very popular because they often have a lower minimum order quantity, making them a great choice for urban keepers who only want 3 or 5 chicks.
• Variety: Their variety is excellent, though perhaps not as vast as Stromberg’s or McMurray’s in terms of rare breeds or game birds.

Stromberg’s fits right in with these other large, full-service hatcheries. Their main advantage remains the sheer breadth of their entire product line, from live chicks to professional processing gear.

With all this information, you might still have a few specific questions. Let’s cover the most common ones.

Expert Tips for First-Time Buyers

If you’re ordering your best chicken breeds for beginners from Stromberg Chickens, here are a few final tips from what I’ve learned:

1. Mind Your Climate: Don’t order a flighty, heat-loving Leghorn if you live in Minnesota. Don’t order a heavy, cold-hardy Orpington for your backyard in Florida. Pick a breed that matches your weather.
2. Start Small: It’s tempting to order 25 chicks. But remember, they grow fast. A dozen chicks will be a handful. Start with 4-6 birds.
3. Order for Spring: The best time to order chicks is for a spring delivery (April-June). The weather is mild, and they’ll have all summer to grow before winter hits.
4. Budget for the “Extras”: The chicks are the cheapest part. The real cost is in the coop, the fencing, the feeders, and the feed.
5. Get a Mixed Flock: I heard Eric Stromberg mention this in an interview, and it’s great advice. Don’t just get 6 of one breed. Get one Orpington, one Plymouth Rock, one Sussex, and one Rhode Island Red. You’ll get a beautiful, colorful flock and a colorful egg basket.
6. Plan for Predators: No matter where you live, predators will target your flock. Invest time in predator-proofing your coop from day one. Hawks, foxes, raccoons, and even neighborhood dogs pose serious threats.

Ongoing Health and Seasonal Care for Your Stromberg Flock

Once your chicks grow into laying hens, establishing a regular chicken health check routine helps you catch problems early. Watch for changes in behavior, egg production, droppings, and appearance.

Seasonal Considerations: Your Stromberg chickens will need different care throughout the year. Winter requires winterizing your chicken coop to prevent frostbite on combs and keep your flock comfortable.

Stromberg Chickens FAQ

Let’s wrap up with some quick answers to the most common questions.

Conclusion

So, what’s the final verdict? Stromberg Chickens is a long-standing, legitimate, and massive hatchery. Their single greatest strength is their incredible variety. You can get over 200 breeds of birds and all the equipment to raise them—from brooders to professional processing gear—all in one place.

They are an excellent choice for a beginner who wants to get a mixed flock and all their starter-kit supplies in one click. They are also a great choice for the hobbyist looking for a specific or hard-to-find breed, or the homesteader who wants to buy processing equipment.

Their prices may not be the lowest, and like any hatchery, they have some customer service complaints related to the difficult business of shipping live animals. But they’ve been in business for over 100 years for a reason. If you’re looking to start your backyard flock, Stromberg Chickens is a solid and reliable place to start your journey.

(Disclaimer: This article was researched and written in November 2025. Prices, policies, breed availability, and business operations are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with Stromberg’s Chickens at strombergschickens.com or by calling (800) 720-1134 before placing an order.)

Oladepo

Oladepo Babatunde is the founder of ChickenStarter.com. He is a backyard chicken keeper and educator who specializes in helping beginners raise healthy flocks, particularly in warm climates. His expertise comes from years of hands-on experience building coops, treating common chicken ailments, and solving flock management issues. His own happy hens are a testament to his methods, laying 25-30 eggs weekly.