Where to Buy Live Chickens Near Me: A Complete Guide

So you’ve decided to raise chickens and want to know where to buy live chickens locally. Getting chicks from a reputable source is key to starting your flock off right. I’ve raised chickens for years so let me share everything I’ve learned about finding quality birds close to home.

Check Local Feed Stores

Farm and feed stores in my area are always the first place I look. Many of them get shipments of baby chicks in the spring and keep a stock of laying hens that changes all year. Before you go, call to find out when their next chicks will be arriving and what breeds they will have.

Stores like Tractor Supply and Atwoods are national chains that get chick shipments weekly during peak season. Their supply depends on local demand, so varieties can vary. You’ll likely find popular egg layers like Rhode Island Reds and Orpingtons. Feed stores are a great option for finding common backyard chicken breeds.

Search Local Farm Animal Classifieds

Another good resource is local classifieds sites advertising chickens and other farm animals Try searching Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor for your city and “chickens” or “hens”

There are people selling chicks and fertilized hatching eggs as well as people looking to find new homes for older chickens. Be wary of sellers who can’t tell you where the breeds came from or how healthy the flock is. Ask if they raise the chickens themselves or if they buy them from somewhere else.

Classifieds are handy for finding specific rare breeds if you have something special in mind. You can also post an ISO (in search of) ad describing the chickens you hope to find.

Check with Local Poultry Farms

Look for chicken or turkey farms in your state or area. Many maintain websites advertising the breeds they specialize in. Do some research to learn their reputation with customers.

You’ll often find more interesting purebred chickens from dedicated poultry farms compared to feed stores. Be prepared to pay more for specialty breeds and rare bird colors.

Ordering directly from local farms ensures your chicks are well cared for and healthy. Responsible breeders isolate new acquisitions before introducing them to the flock and monitor for illness. Always ask about biosecurity practices before purchasing.

Attend Poultry Swap Meets

Poultry lovers in many places hold swap meets on a regular basis so breeders can buy, sell, and trade birds. These are great places to find chickens and meet other people who raise chickens in the area.

Ask fellow chicken-keepers for recommendations on breeds and sellers they’ve had success with. Most flocks at swaps are well taken care of. Still ask questions and observe the birds’ condition yourself before buying.

Check community calendars for upcoming poultry swap event details. They may take place at fairgrounds, feed stores, or private farms. Arrive early for the best selection. Bring boxes or crates to safely transport your new chickens home.

Order From National Hatcheries

Large national hatcheries ship day-old chicks nationwide. This works if you’re set on a specific breed not available locally. Keep in mind shipping fees can get pricey.

Order chicks in advance – most require minimums of 15-25 per order. Hatcheries guarantee live delivery within 24-72 hours of hatching. You’ll need an incubator or brooder setup ready when chicks arrive.

Do research before choosing a hatchery – ask about breed quality, shipping practices, morbidity rates, and genetic diversity. Get customer reviews to learn about others’ experiences. Two of the largest hatcheries are Cackle and Meyer.

Check Live Poultry Markets

In some states, live animal markets facilitate the sale of chickens, goats, sheep, and cattle. Poultry selection varies by region and season. Markets near coastal areas may carry a variety of seabirds.

These venues allow buyers to inspect animals in person before purchasing. However, live markets sometimes get supplies from disreputable puppy mills and backyard breeders. Ask questions to ensure animal welfare standards are upheld.

If you live near an urban area like Los Angeles, Dallas, or New York City, search for live poultry markets to find diverse exotic breeds not available at regular stores. Just practice caution when buying.

Purchase from Local 4-H/FFA Members

Support local students by purchasing chickens from 4-H and FFA projects. Kids raise and show poultry as part of agricultural education programs. You know the birds were well cared for by young breeders learning animal husbandry.

Check fair and livestock show calendars for local events. Project animals usually sell at auction after competitions. Contact agricultural extension offices to get connected with individual youth sellers.

Buying locally-raised birds from youth providers is rewarding. You’ll likely find heritage chicken breeds not carried at major stores. And your purchase encourages the next generation of poultry enthusiasts.

Consider Hatching Fertile Eggs

If you want baby chicks but live too far from reliable sources, a fun option is buying fertilized eggs to incubate and hatch at home. You can find hatching eggs on many of the same classified sites that sell live chickens.

Make sure you have an incubator with an automatic egg turner before getting eggs. Follow instructions precisely for temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Some breeds like Silkies have lower hatch rates. Expect only 75-80% of fertile eggs to successfully hatch.

Hatching eggs lets you grow your perfect flock from scratch. Just be prepared for some losses along the way. Candling eggs weekly helps identify infertile and nonviable eggs to remove.

Advice For Buying Live Chickens

When bringing home new chickens, follow this advice to give them the best start:

• Buy from local sources to minimize transport stress and avoid introducing illness. Chicks shipped long distances are more susceptible to health issues.

• For biosecurity, keep new birds separated from your existing flock for 4-6 weeks before mixing. Monitor for signs of sickness during quarantine.

• Give chicks and older hens proper nutrition through formulated feed and fresh treats. Support immune function with probiotics, vitamins, and electrolytes.

• Maintain optimal brooder or coop conditions. Control temperature, ventilation, litter, and clean water. Overcrowding causes competition and bullying.

• Handle chicks gently and limit stress. Allow them rest and adjustment time when moving home. The transition can make them prone to dehydration.