Privett Rare Breeds

The history of Privett Hatchery Inc. traces back to Jimmy Privett's childhood, where his passion for poultry ignited alongside his grandmother. Together, they nurtured their chickens, using the bathtub as a brooder during cold spells, sparking a lifelong love for these remarkable birds. Throughout his life, Jimmy always maintained a flock at home, and upon graduating high school, he built two chicken houses to sell eggs locally, funding his college education. Over the next two decades, he expanded the business to house up to 100,000 hens, serving stores within a 60-mile radius of Portales.

During this time, Jimmy cultivated not only a thriving business but also a large family, raising six sons and one daughter. Each child contributed to the family farm, gathering eggs and learning the values of hard work and dedication—values that continue to resonate today. Currently, Jimmy's three oldest sons play vital roles in the hatchery, having worked full-time since their college days. His grandchildren also embrace this legacy, often spending summers and school breaks immersed in the family tradition at the hatchery and on the farms.

In the early 70s, driven by a desire to share his passion for rare breeds, Jimmy invested in his first incubation equipment and began supplying baby chicks to local feed stores. His son Greg fondly recalls taking a day off school to witness the delivery of that inaugural incubator, which still stands proudly at their current location. 

By 1985, the hatchery had outgrown its egg operation, leading to the evolution of Privett Hatchery Inc. as it is known today. The earliest hatchery was located in the backyard of the family home, where Jimmy raised his children, expanding barns and acquiring farms as opportunities arose. For years, they sold and shipped chickens from that location, maintaining offices in the original family home until 2018, when a new facility was purchased to better serve their hatching, shipping, and administrative needs.

In 2023, Hoover’s Hatchery acquired Privett Hatchery, ensuring that the legacy of Jimmy Privett—and his dedication to rare breeds—continues. The collaboration between Hoover’s and Privett enhances their ability to serve backyard poultry enthusiasts and farm stores alike. Under the brand Privett Rare Poultry Breeds, they now offer some of the most sought-after rare birds that reflect Jimmy’s commitment to preserving unique breeds and upholding the family values that have defined the hatchery for generations.