Does anyone have a pullet/hen available that they're willing to ship?

[Sneakychick]

I live in a town with a 4 hen limit and unfortunately my sweet hatchery Salmon Faverolles unexpectedly dropped dead a few weeks ago

I need something started since I only have one spot in my flock, but I've been having a heck of a time finding a pullet at this time of year. I live in Los Angeles so breeders are few and far between (and usually sold out).

Does anyone have a pullet or hen for sale? I would really like something vaccinated from an NPIP breeder. I'm perfectly happy to pay for shipping. Fun colors, beards, boots, rare breeds etc. would be a bonus!

 

[Sefirothe]

Meyer Hatchery sometimes sells started pullets and will ship. It will be expensive tho.

 

[Debbie292d]

I live in a town with a 4 hen limit and unfortunately my sweet hatchery Salmon Faverolles unexpectedly dropped dead a few weeks ago

I need something started since I only have one spot in my flock, but I've been having a heck of a time finding a pullet at this time of year. I live in Los Angeles so breeders are few and far between (and usually sold out).

Does anyone have a pullet or hen for sale? I would really like something vaccinated from an NPIP breeder. I'm perfectly happy to pay for shipping. Fun colors, beards, boots, rare breeds etc. would be a bonus!

Going from what Bobbi Porto (silkie exhibition breeder) at indigoegg.us told me, she will not ship just one chicken in a box. I wanted two pullets from her, and she also would not sell me just pullets; I also had to buy, at a reduced cost, two roosters. By the time I was done, I had received via overnight shipping four birds, and it had cost me nearly $500. But these birds were about 4 months old, and gorgeous!

Just thinking you might want to go with sexed chicks.

 

[AinaWGSD]

If you're on Facebook you might see if there are any local chicken groups you can join and ask there. Craigslist is another option, and there you can probably post an ISO add if you wanted (I've never advertised there though so im not sure how much spam that might open you up to).

It may also be worth posting on the California state thread here to see if anyone has or knows about available pullets. Another option, though a bit of a long shot, is checking local shelters and animal rescues (pet finder is probably the best source for finding the most in your area). Unfortunately most of the chickens there are going to be unwanted males, but even females find themselves abandoned when people realize they're more work than expected.

Shipping on started a single pullet is going to be really really expensive. I know Chicken Scratch Poultry out of Illinois has some started pullets left and does ship, but I don't know that I'd ship a bird that far. I've bought day old chicks and hatching eggs from them with no problem, but I have seen reviews from others here who have had problems after introducing started pullets to their flocks.

 

[Sneakychick]

Thank you for the suggestion, but I'm trying to avoid hatcheries because I think poor hatchery genetics contributed to my Faverolles' early death.

I have been digging through all the FB groups, Instagram, and Craiglist, unfortunately pickings are slim everywhere because it's November.

Shipping one pullet isn't cheap, but I've successfully done it 4 times before from small breeders so I know the costs involved. I am willing to pay the premium for better bred birds.

I know most breeders won't ship, or won't do only one, or want you to take a roo, but there are a few breeders out there who are willing. Usually it's a pet quality grow out sitting on the back burner that they never got around to rehoming. They're almost never publically advertised, which is why I'm putting out feelers everywhere. I know what I'm looking for is very specific, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[Seaslug]

If you are willing to pay for shipping, are you willing (and able) to drive an hour or two? Check for people looking to re-home in the local-ish area or perhaps you could arrange with a school near you for a future hatching.

 

[SourRoses]

Try contacting local breeders listed in breed clubs and ask about available adults.

I once went on a hunt for Ameraucana and found a breeder of rare Isabels an hour away. It was fall and she wasn't offering eggs or chicks, so I asked if she might have some adult hens available. She happily sold me four hens ranging from 1-2 years old. They were only $20 each.
Granted, their best production days were behind them, but as a non-production breed they have a longer laying life. Two still laid 3 blue eggs per week for the following year+, which was enough for me to hatch from, and one is still with us 5 years later. Still a pretty old lady with a sassy attitude, and come spring tries to lay an egg or two, lol.

This time of year plenty of breeders are looking to reduce their flocks for the off season. If they're with a club or a dedicated breeder you're more likely to find NPIP.