how can it be so hard to find chickens

[jtsail]

i have been trying to buy a couple for over a year here and craig list but no luck
i did hatch 4 in early may 2 male 2 female but would still like a couple that are 20 week or so for eggs
dupage county illinois hour or so west of chicago if any one can help please

 

[KoopOnTruckin]

Check the American Livestock Conservancy, they have an online list of people who raise chickens (and other livestock) in your area. I'd call around and ask them.

 

[jtsail]

thank you but again no luck classified section will not evne open and breeder map hsa no one in illinois at all

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Point of lay birds (the age you are seeking) are more scarce as they are an in demand commodity and most people that sell opt to sell well before that age to avoid sinking the resources of taking a bird to that point

 

[dekel18042]

i have been trying to buy a couple for over a year here and craig list but no luck
i did hatch 4 in early may 2 male 2 female but would still like a couple that are 20 week or so for eggs
dupage county illinois hour or so west of chicago if any one can help please

It might be hard to get people to part with 20 week old pullets, just when they are close to laying. If you have any nearby hatcheries within driving distance you could check there. Or put a sign in your feed store or contact your local 4-H. Feed stores often sell chicks in the spring.
We have lots of chickens in our area but see few ads on Craigslist and usually only for the accidental rooster.

 

[BlueBaby]

i have been trying to buy a couple for over a year here and craig list but no luck
i did hatch 4 in early may 2 male 2 female but would still like a couple that are 20 week or so for eggs
dupage county illinois hour or so west of chicago if any one can help please

I don't know how we can really send the member's a pm anymore with this new format of the site, but here is some info I found on the BYC breeders in your state. It was just put together as a list just last year. Maybe you could search the site for their nic and figure out a way to contact them?

Member: ChicagoClucker
Location: N/A
Poultry Type: Chickens
Breeds: Orpingtons and Cochin Bantams
I offer: Hatching eggs, chicks, started birds
Ship eggs? No
Ship birds? No
NPIP Certified? No

Member: BREKEN
Location: N/A
Poultry Type: Chickens, Turkeys
Breeds: Swedish Orust, Royal Palm Turkey
I offer: Hatching eggs, chicks, started birds
Ship eggs? Yes
Ship birds? Yes
NPIP Certified? No

 

[wcbpolish]

I found a flock of older hens on CL. Kept them over the winter, hatched from them in the spring, and resold all but the broodies at local swaps. There are always chickens on CL here in West Michigan! Makes it hard for me to sell my chicks! But as noted, point of lay pullets are not commonly sold, as people have already invested in the birds and they are at their peak value at that point.

 

[AllynTal]

As others have said, it'll be hard finding folks willing to part with hens that are just coming into value for them -- just when they're about to see a return on the money invested in the girls to date. You might have better luck looking for 'started pullets.' Started pullets are between 15 and 22 weeks. You'll only have to feed them for between two weeks and two months before you get eggs.

 

[fellowes58]

Hi! I have a breeding pair of dwarf olandsk if you are interested. I live in southern california though. I'm willing to part with them if they are going to a good home. You would only have to pay for shipping. If you would like to know more about this breed, here is a link: http://www.raising-chickens.org/Olandsk-Dwarf-Chicken.html.

 

[AllynTal]

Hi! I have a breeding pair of dwarf olandsk if you are interested. I live in southern california though. I'm willing to part with them if they are going to a good home. You would only have to pay for shipping. If you would like to know more about this breed, here is a link: http://www.raising-chickens.org/Olandsk-Dwarf-Chicken.html.

Make sure you check regulations for shipping live animals. The USPS has regulations and the origination and destination states may also have regulations that may require NPIP testing/certification and other restrictions.