Is it too late to get chicks? Any hatcheries that will see only 3?

[Laurajean]

I have been obsessing over a coop. I've been trying to decide if I should buy one, build one, etc. It suddenly occurred to me today that I don't know when the "cut-off" for getting chicks is. I know they're available in the Spring but until when?

Should I get chicks now and then worry about the coop? I'll have about 8 weeks after getting them, right? I am in New Hampshire.

Also, I only want three Bantams, Silkies and/or Cochins. Is there a hatchery that will only sell me three? I know I should order "extra" but I hate to have them turn out fine only to have too many. Everyone says you get addicted and want more, but I would rather approach with caution and start with only a few. I would really like to get them locally, but don't know of any places to get only 3 bantams.

I would appreciate any advice as to WHEN to have the chicks by, and WHERE to get just a few bantams.

Thank You!

 

[peggym]

Where are you? TSC usually has some and you can buy just a few but I think you need to do it now while they have them, I think My pet chicken lets you order just a few but not sure. McMurray hatchery you can order through July or Aug. on some breeds, [though the minimum is 25 chicks]! Hope this helps!

 

[Laurajean]

I am in Southern New Hampshire. I definitely don't want 25 chicks! I need to only start with a few.

What is TSC? Sorry, I'm new to chickens, so I don't know the lingo or abbreviations.

Thanks!

 

[trase]

TSC = Tractor Supply Company. Local stores carry chicks for about a month sometime between March-May (check your local for their schedule.) But I know mine has a six-chick minimum, and a 3-duck minimum.

Meyer Hatchery may also sell as little as three chicks - I think My Pet Chicken might drop-ship from them?

Don't overlook Craigslist's Farm and Garden ads, too, because you might find some local, and frankly, with that small of a number, it might be safer to get them locally.

Good luck!

 

[TerriTerrible]

MyPetChicken.com lets you order as little as three at a time. I'm not sure when they stop shipping though. I'd definitely check out their website.

 

[Tecalli]

Nature's Hatchery ships as few as 2 chicks and they have many bantam breeds as well. They ship all through the summer.
Another great source for chicks or pullets are local chickenstocks (gatherings of chicken people, lists can be found on BYC). There may be one in your area coming up. This saves you money on shipping, plus you get to meet really nice people. I got my bantam lavendar ameracuna from a chickenstock last July.

 

[Crown Hill Farmette]

I ordered my chicks last September from IDEAL Chicken and they arrived in October - so there really is no cut-off-date. Also if you can get together with other people you can order more then just 2 or 3 to keep your chicks warm during transit.
I posted on my local chicken list for anybody interested in ordering chicks with me and found 2 others that wanted chicks. The nice part was that we all could order the breeds we wanted and we ordered only 10 chicks online, all females and no filler males (so we did not have worry about how to get rid off unwanted chicks). And they all arrived in good shape even that late in the season.
For banties I believe most, if not all hatcheries will ship only straight run, since they cannot distinguish between males and females at only 1 day old. So you'll have to figure that 50% all chicks could be males. Hence, if you want only 3 hens, order at least 6 chicks.
Good luck!

 

[Shifty Joe]

Might also I suggest trying to buddy on the forums here who is near you who might be willing to toss a few extra eggs in the bator?

 

[newchicksnducks]

We live about an hour from Meyers, we just drive down there when our chicks are hatched to pick them up. We've ordered as little as 7 and 5 chick groups. Is there someone within driving area for you to pick up? MPC will sell minimum of 3.