day old chicks vs. ready to lay hens

[Fred's Hens]

Buying pullets at 10-16 weeks of age speeds the process. Choice #1. Expect to pay $12-$20 each, depending on age.
Buy $2.50 chicks and raise for 6 months, the cost will be a bit more and lots of work, but it is fun. Choice #2.

Unless I absolutely, positively knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I was truly getting good, clean, healthy, 30 week old hens, I'd steer clear. The price for such good young stock is $25 each. Choice #3. Instant gratification.

But, there's something about raising your own hens, even from pullets, and knowing about them that is priceless, imho.

 

[Aemelia]

I think one of the negatives to getting chicks is the risk factor of getting roosters. Sure we buy from the "pullet" bin but you never really know until they feather out or the ultimate, lay an egg or crow.

I bought 3 chicks from our local farm store. They all came from the pullet bin they are all 8 weeks old now and the general consensus here is that they are hens. But I'm always second guessing that.

So a plus in the older chick department would be you KNOW they are hens.