Well, after being totally indecisive about "how" to buy chickens, I bought 6 two old chicks at Van Dam Farms yesterday - three delawares & three red-sex links pullets. They came from Redwing Hatchery in Lancaster - so, yes, they are "only" hatchery birds, and make not be great specimens & never will make it to a poultry show - but, they are dang cute. As long as they stay healthy, fairly friendly, and lay reasonably well , they will suit me just fine. Plus, they were cheep ;-) at $2.40 each. They are happily milling around in the new brooder (aka bottom half of molded plastic dog kennel) in my laundry room. Of course, last night got cold again - 34 deg in the room the brooder is in - but, with the heat lamp it never dropped below 90. Of course, I had to get up and go out at 3am or so to check LOL.
Now, I'm just trying not to worry, they have medicated starter mash, water and all are drinking and eating well, they are warm and seem happy. I trying hard to relax and not make things too complicated.
But, why did I not realise they they just lay down and sleep - I've finally gotten over the need to disturb them to make sure they are OK @@
To extend on some previous posts - thankyou for the feedback about Odyysey Ranch - i would have happily bought chickens there, but, had decided on my first choice for breeds - and they had such a limited choice. The five week old pullets there were $5 or so - for the poster that asked.
I am happy to say I have found my local feed store is happy to order in Kruse Organic Layer pellets (I'm thinking ahead) - 50lb for $24.95.
