Frustrated about the availability of chicks

[FrostRanger]

I went to Dollar General and got some stuff and I showed the 2 ladies there the picture of my ducklings. One said "Yes, I want ducks," I told her stick to chickens, they are easier to keep and less messy and stinky. I love my ducklings but I won't get any more. If I have a drake then he can make more but I'm not going to buy more. I'm giving them advice on gardening so I should probably decide to just give them my address and have them stop by to let them experience chickens, chicks and ducklings first hand. They will also get some more information on gardening.

That is exactly why I decided against ducks when I was choosing between chickens and ducks. They are cool animals but they are too messy

 

[ChookaPete]

Goldfields Stockfeeds has a freight load of Hy-Line chicks arriving in a day or two. I already requested to buy two when they arrive, for my currently broody hen (it's too late to give her fertile eggs to hatch).

 

[ChookaPete]

It's the egg prices, people are panicking or they think it will be cheaper (lol) to raise chickens than to buy eggs.

I have noticed that a lot on social media.
It's absolutely fine to ask lots of questions and develop a good solid understanding prior to starting something new like raising chickens, and also absolutely fine to keep asking questions (like people do on here, which is great and helps build the community and knowledge base) and trying things out throughout the process. But a lot of people on social media in particular just seem absolutely clueless and dare I say foolish and reckless. It is like they are only having chickens for an alleged convenience of receiving eggs. It takes a lot of groundwork for that to happen, like with any farming.

 

[FrostRanger]

I have noticed that a lot on social media.
It's absolutely fine to ask lots of questions and develop a good solid understanding prior to starting something new like raising chickens, and also absolutely fine to keep asking questions (like people do on here, which is great and helps build the community and knowledge base) and trying things out throughout the process. But a lot of people on social media in particular just seem absolutely clueless and dare I say foolish and reckless. It is like they are only having chickens for an alleged convenience of receiving eggs. It takes a lot of groundwork for that to happen, like with any farming.

What else is new with social media?

 

[ChookaPete]

What else is new with social media?

Hahaha! Good point!

 

[McChooky]

A hatchet or similar chicken-killing tool, plus some good chicken recipes, for when all those pens are too full.

Definitely can't leave this part out if you buy straight run chicks or hatch your own (which I haven't done)

 

[Iluveggers]

No shortage of bantams this season it seems. Husband has come home with 2 clutches of tiny birds in the past month.

Bantams are usually not sexed, otherwise I would have a flock myself!

 

[Chickengirl209]

I noticed that TSC is now offering chicks for mail order on their website. The price is about par for most mail order hatcheries.They are only offering assortments and not specific breeds. I’ve never ordered from them so can’t speak to quality of the chicks.

I looked into the mail order thing from TSC. They didn’t promise any date that you’d get them. I think it would be much better to order straight from Hoovers or a different hatchery. That way you can at least know when they’re coming, and you’re not waiting until you get a random call mid august saying birds are here.
Also, as far as quality, I’ve mostly heard of a bunch of roosters in the “pullet” section. I think the hatchery just send whatever is available. AKA roosters. Also heard of a good many non healthy chicks… I don’t really trust TSC in this field.

 

[Chickengirl209]

Somerset PA here, we just got 12 rustic rock chicks and the lady said they are selling out so fast! She sad they get them in and within 2 days are sold out completely.

I think that’s slow compared to York county pa! 125 birds GONE within 20mins. People are waiting in line hours before they get there. The Mill of Blackhorse/Bel Air/Hereford, etc. are putting limits on the chicks… thankfully Red Lion has not.
Buying them from here because they are much better quality than TSC. Hatcheries are booked out till early June at best. *sigh*
This was the same situation as 2023, last time we bought chicks. Hatcheries were swamped, and so were the retailers.

 

[ValkerieGunn]

Definitely can't leave this part out if you buy straight run chicks or hatch your own (which I haven't done)

Yes but when I was new to chickens and didn't know better I got 2 silver laced wyandotte pullets. Surprise and Thanks TSC they were 1 Barred Rock pullet and 1 Barred Rock Cockeral. So even sticking to pullet bins doesn't guarantee a thing.