Chicks or Eggs

[Brahmachicken240]

Nothing was mentioned about show Birds...

Op never mentioned getting chicks from a hatchery either

Was just asking what quality birds they wanted, if the OP wants show quality birds then its best get the chicks from a breeder and if the OP wants egg production and meat birds then it’s best get them from a hatchery.

 

[chickens really]

Op never mentioned getting chicks from a hatchery either

Was just asking what quality birds they wanted, if the OP wants show quality birds then its best get the chicks from a breeder and if the OP wants egg production and meat birds then it’s best get them from a hatchery.

Good grief......Anyways I replied just as you did....Does it really matter?...

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Good grief......Anyways I replied just as you did....Does it really matter?...

Not at all

 

[Shadrach]

As mentioned above, a lot depends on the quality of chicken you want.
I would pick a pair from a local multi generation chicken keeping farm which kept a closed flock if I was to start from scratch.

 

[Acre4Me]

Easiest/Quickest to eggs: Buy started pullets. They will be close to point of lay. They will be female.

For example, here is Meyer Hatchery page. But, other hatcheries sell started pullets. They do mail them, but if you buy from someplace closer, then you could possibly just pick them up.

Here is a map of Dallas (I think this is where you are located) when searched for "Hatcheries":
Chickenville USA looked promising for chicks and possibly started pullets. But, you could drive to pick up. I didn't look up Bageneice Farms. The Brand Hatchery is for business brands, not chickens! Good Luck.

 

[aart]

Easiest/Quickest to eggs: Buy started pullets. They will be close to point of lay. They will be female.

Yep!...and you don't need a brooder.

Then next easiest is buying day old chicks, but you'll need to learn how to keep them warm and safe...which means buying something to heat them with and a learning curve on how to do that.

Then comes hatching...another learning curve, a big one, and buying of equipment.
Much fun but you've got to deal with the ~50% males.

 

[Mrs. K]

This is an amazing hobby, I have enjoyed it for years, and there are many aspects to it. But you don't have to do them all at once. I would start with hatchery birds, soon you will be able to get some in most feed stores, or call and order some if there is a breed or two that you think you might like. Personally, I would recommend a hen only for your first flock, so sex linked chicks can make sure you get that.


Then in the years to come, you can try broody hens, roosters, meat birds, hatching eggs, different breeds, all sorts.

I would never throw frugal caution to the wind and buy point of lay birds, but that might be due to my area, and that no one sells them here.

It is a fun hobby, my point is, get your toes wet, start with some chicks, maybe different kinds, don't get too many, and raise them up. You willl learn a lot, and as you do, you can figure out what suits you best.

Mrs K