Buying chickens

[BriaS]

What is the best place or website to buy hens or pullets this time of year? I bought 4 chicks from tractor supply 13 weeks ago and was told they were hens but they’re all roosters . I also don’t know what to do with them now. I don’t necessarily WANT 4 roosters but I also don’t want to cull them. I’m looking for hens to add to my flock for egg production/hatching.

 

[CountryFlock]

Never buy chicks from tractor supply if you don’t want straight run. They lie.

Buy from Meyer hatchery from Ohio. Great service, healthy chicks. Unless they’re too far from you.

 

[sourland]

Provide your general location, and perhaps someone can help with a supplier close to you.

 

[BriaS]

Provide your general location, and perhaps someone can help with a supplier close to you.

I’m in Maryland

 

[BriaS]

Never buy chicks from tractor supply if you don’t want straight run. They lie.

Buy from Meyer hatchery from Ohio. Great service, healthy chicks. Unless they’re too far from you.

Ohio is a bit too far. I’m in Maryland. Last year I bought my chicks from a local feed store but they closed down after that which is why I tried tractor supply but I definitely learned my lesson.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Are you looking for chicks or grown pullets/hens?
Shipping on started pullets from a hatchery is about four times the cost of the bird.
It seems to be most economical and safe to raise chicks to laying. I have many scary stories about the hens I've bought off Craigslist...

In terms of buying little fluffs, I've had a good experience with Murray McMurray hatchery. They can be a tad higher in price than hatcheries such as Cackle, but everything I experienced with them made me feel I was getting quality stock (hatchery quality is always debated I suppose.)

 

[Doublete]

Where in md? Lots of reputable small people...
I’m in the York county pa area that borders md.
I’ll be NPIP in about a month. Send me a message I can direct you to a few people if you don’t wanna wait.
Tell me what breeds you’re looking for too

 

[BriaS]

Are you looking for chicks or grown pullets/hens?
Shipping on started pullets from a hatchery is about four times the cost of the bird.
It seems to be most economical and safe to raise chicks to laying. I have many scary stories about the hens I've bought off Craigslist...

In terms of buying little fluffs, I've had a good experience with Murray McMurray hatchery. They can be a tad higher in price than hatcheries such as Cackle, but everything I experienced with them made me feel I was getting quality stock (hatchery quality is always debated I suppose.)

I would be happy getting the chicks or grown hens. Whichever is the easiest and not too expensive. My concern would be whether the young chicks would do well in this season. It’s really (REALLY) hot here now. Most days in the mid 90s. I have the set up to keep them inside until they’re old enough but by that time it’ll be fall. What do you think?

 

[BriaS]

Where in md? Lots of reputable small people...
I’m in the York county pa area that borders md.
I’ll be NPIP in about a month. Send me a message I can direct you to a few people if you don’t wanna wait.
Tell me what breeds you’re looking for too

Sending you a message now!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Craigslist or local poultry club.

Just looking at mid Maryland craigslist and using "pullet" in search had 11 results. I'd post the link but don't know where in Maryland you are. Craigslist is a handy thing. Most are $20 and that's a fair price for 18 weekish point of lay birds.