Frustrated about the availability of chicks

[ValkerieGunn]

You all be patient. In a couple of months there will be lots of started pullets for free when folks start to realize that they are more work and trouble than they thought, and that they won't get eggs for months yet. Just like all the Covid pups dumped at the shelters, when people went back to work.

But if they don't know how to care for them properly those chickens could be extremely unhealthy for various reasons and I'm not sure I'd risk getting them.

 

[townchicks]

And cockerels/roosters too…
If only I was settled down in life I’d open a rooster rescue, but I’m twenty-three and need to work.

Yes, sadly. It's already a huge problem, with so many cities and suburbs having no rooster rules. Mine included, which is why I don't get chicks. I want to know for sure that I won't be one of those scrambling to find a " pet" home for a cockeral that I've grown attached to. The chicken rescues are already up to their eyeballs with them. No doubt, also, that many of these newbies are buying straight run, without understanding what it means. So many of us got chickens because we want a better life for them than the commercial chickens get, even if that life is short. Much suffering ahead.

 

[madduckks]

So is anyone else having issues with every chick being bought up within a small amount of time after arrival at stores?

In my area they are being bought up so fast?

This morning, we lined up before the store opening... They had said chicks at 8, so people came early and stood in line... Pretty amazing!

 

[townchicks]

But if they don't know how to care for them properly those chickens could be extremely unhealthy for various reasons and I'm not sure I'd risk getting them.

That's a risk, yes. Everyone needs to decide how much they are willing to take. Personally, I'd prefer that risk, to the one of getting an unwanted cockeral. Thus, I have always gone with started pullets, and also adult hens. Frankly, while chicks are adorable, like puppies and kittens they are also messy and worrisome and a lot of work. I'm happy to settle for all the cute pics of other peoples babies.

 

[SourRoses]

Local breeders are always an option.
Most don't want to draw the attention of chicken-craze folks, they want normal buyers.

I have extra chicks from my hatches who don't meet my breeding goals (color, size, combs) but I'm too worried to list them like I usually would. I can just imagine them in someone's closet under an incandescent light bulb being fed cracked corn and mashed potatoes.

We should all be mentally preparing for a wave of queries on BYC when people have chicks sick, dying, injured, etc. Most searches lead here.
Our collective kindness could help convert some to real chicken keepers, while others are going to need a come-to-chicken wake up call.

I wonder if we could proactively push articles for new chicken keepers? Would some new-dated content help get it out there at the top of search fields?

 

[GoldenSlumbers]

I happened to stop by my local TSC exactly 3 weeks ago right after they received their first shipment of chicks. Went home, set up the brooder and returned the next day hoping pullets were still available.
An employee said like half of the chicks purchased the day before were returned and several had died in the store overnight because they were exposed to the cold weather (in the 20s IIRC) for too long when they were being delivered/moved into the store.
I got the last two pullets (BA) and a couple straight run RIRs at a 50% discount because of the issues. They're doing fine now 3 weeks later.
Haven't seen any pullets the last few times I went, but they still had straight runs in stock a couple days ago.

 

[RandyMagnum]

My husband and I were waiting on our tax returns to come in so we could get the supplies to turn one of our sheds into a coop and get chicks. We wanted Orpingtons specifically because of their dual purpose and how they are good with kids. Imagine our horror when we couldnt get pullets A N Y W H E R E. Its had us down in the dumps for weeks. We didnt know this would happen and we sure couldnt buy the chicks months ahead of time because of said tax returns that we were anxiously waiting on
It sucks and we are mad

This was also the year I decided too finally make the commitment into chickens, after the last 2 years of research and having finally convinced my wife. It has been frustrating to get caught up in peoples hysterics especially after similarly researching breeds and deciding on the ones that fit my family. I hope you guys have some luck soon.

 

[Sinadrea]

So is anyone else having issues with every chick being bought up within a small amount of time after arrival at stores?

In my area they are being bought up so fast?

Yes, me too.
I have checked 2 local farm stores and they never have an accurate delivery date so I have missed out on one type of chicken so many times I had to order 3 of the same from online. I also had my Sister in Law purchase me chickens from a different state and 2 out of 5 of the total have died and 1 is sick.
The quality this year is also poor! Beggars can't be choosers this year!

 

[FrostRanger]

I happened to stop by my local TSC exactly 3 weeks ago right after they received their first shipment of chicks. Went home, set up the brooder and returned the next day hoping pullets were still available.
An employee said like half of the chicks purchased the day before were returned and several had died in the store overnight because they were exposed to the cold weather (in the 20s IIRC) for too long when they were being delivered/moved into the store.
I got the last two pullets (BA) and a couple straight run RIRs at a 50% discount because of the issues. They're doing fine now 3 weeks later.
Haven't seen any pullets the last few times I went, but they still had straight runs in stock a couple days ago.

This was also the year I decided too finally make the commitment into chickens, after the last 2 years of research and having finally convinced my wife. It has been frustrating to get caught up in peoples hysterics especially after similarly researching breeds and deciding on the ones that fit my family. I hope you guys have some luck soon.

First, welcome to BYC to both of you!

@guitarplaya39 Glad to hear you were able to get some chicks and they're doing well! It is certainly a tough time to be starting a new flock. Also I love your avatar!

@RandyMagnum I would also check out some of the major hatcheries. Some good ones are Meyer, cackle, ideal poultry, meltzer (they are also a evidently really good place to get waterfowl if you ever want to get into that) and mt healthy. There are a few other good ones too, those are just the main ones. I wish you luck in finding the breeds you want!

 

[ValkerieGunn]

That's a risk, yes. Everyone needs to decide how much they are willing to take. Personally, I'd prefer that risk, to the one of getting an unwanted cockeral. Thus, I have always gone with started pullets, and also adult hens. Frankly, while chicks are adorable, like puppies and kittens they are also messy and worrisome and a lot of work. I'm happy to settle for all the cute pics of other peoples babies.

I can understand that. We just had to rehome 3 roosters. 2 that I hatched and one was a surprise from a pullet bin. I will post pictures of my chicks just for you then.