Buying chickens

[sealer39]

If you are keeping the four roosters how many hens are you planning on buying? You’ll probably need a lot if they are going to all be together in the same coop/run.

 

[BriaS]

If you are keeping the four roosters how many hens are you planning on buying? You’ll probably need a lot if they are going to all be together in the same coop/run.

Ideally I would like to trade/give away 2 of the roosters. I have enough space for a large flock but I know that the roosters can get into fights and things like that. So far they’ve been fine but they’re still young. I want at least 4 or 5 hens possibly more.

 

[BriaS]

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.

Thank you so much

 

[aart]

What breed of chicks did you buy?
Were you aware that they were straight run?

I have enough space for a large flock

Big enough to split the coop and run to accommodate the males?
If you're brand new to chickens, and only want chickens for eggs, you might want to get rid of all the males. Craigslist..5 bucks each for 4 for 15.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @BriaS
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[DellaMyDarling]

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

Do yourself a favor and go this route. I've struggled to find a good source like this in my area.
I've also struggled with cheap birds.
I've dealt now with respiratory illness/symptoms, mites, lice, scaly leg mites and issues, way overgrown nails, mystery feather loss in large areas, egg eating, no egg production at all... from free, cheap, or Craigslist birds. My clean hatchery chicks are all exposed to this now.

 

[BriaS]

What breed of chicks did you buy?
Were you aware that they were straight run?

Big enough to split the coop and run to accommodate the males?
If you're brand new to chickens, and only want chickens for eggs, you might want to get rid of all the males. Craigslist..5 bucks each for 4 for 15.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @BriaS
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1872408

Thank you I will add my info.
I’m not totally new to raising chicks but this is my first time doing it alone. I could split the males from the females but I let them free range most of the day. I have about 2 acres of land and the coop is about the size of an average tool shed. I bought 1 buff Orpington and 3 barred rocks and they didn’t tell me they were straight runs. I think my best option is to get rid of at least 2 of the males though.

 

[BriaS]

Do yourself a favor and go this route. I've struggled to find a good source like this in my area.
I've also struggled with cheap birds.
I've dealt now with respiratory illness/symptoms, mites, lice, scaly leg mites and issues, way overgrown nails, mystery feather loss in large areas, egg eating, no egg production at all... from free, cheap, or Craigslist birds. My clean hatchery chicks are all exposed to this now.

I think this is what I’m gonna do. I still have the issue of getting rid of or rehoming the males.

 

[slippednfell]

I get mine from Cackle Hatchery in MO. They have some breeds that are still available and you can buy just females. (Some are as cheap as straight run and some are more expensive if buying just females.)

 

[BriaS]

I get mine from Cackle Hatchery in MO. They have some breeds that are still available and you can buy just females. (Some are as cheap as straight run and some are more expensive if buying just females.)

Do they have a minimum delivery amount?

 

[slippednfell]

Do they have a minimum delivery amount?

They have 15 hick minimum or they charge a small order fee of 25.00. I hadn't thought about that. Sorry