Looking for at least two laying hens

[PhyllisASherer]

I have read the rules

Sadly I've spent several minutes Searching to find the proper thread for finding hens to purchase or for free in SC and can't find specifics... I may be using the wrong keywords so I am making my own post/thread. I hope that's ok?!

I am looking for at least two young-adult laying hens near Irmo/Ballentine SC, free, or inexpensive. (no babies, no roosters)

I was promised two 2-yr olds by a neighbor, (that I have had contact with & fed while also caring for her dogs), so I spent the last two weeks getting the yard ready again (because we were going to get some a few years ago and it fell through), and plenty of $$. The person finally texted me back yesterday after I wrote them twice to ask when I could come get them... and they said their kid threw a fit so this is no longer in motion.

I live on the outskirts of Irmo, in Ballentine, on land. I am free to have yard animals here and have been craving having chickens again like we did when I was 17 and first moved here.

Nice to meet you all!

Phyllis
Born & raised in Columbia SC

 

[Iluveggers]

Hello! If you don’t have any luck on here, you could check Craigslist. I often see laying hens listed at varying prices. Good luck!

 

[PhyllisASherer]

Hello! If you don’t have any luck on here, you could check Craigslist. I often see laying hens listed at varying prices. Good luck!

Thanks! I typically shy away from the dreaded Craigslist from fear of being ripped off or killed LOL However, I do appreciate your input!! I'll peruse it, and see if anything feels safe.

 

[Silkie Princess]

Welcome to BYC!

For me free/inexpensive = in bad condition.. Also personally I'd get at least 3. If you loose one, the other one won't be lonely. Good luck!

 

[Marie2020]

How about looking into your nearby farms and asking if they would know where you could buy healthy chickens for a small fee.
Or check out your local papers, you may find people offering them for free, if you look up their advertisements online.

As already said, three would be best, I was told this many year ago long before I got my chickens. One died on new year so was pleased I took onboard that advice

My local farmer directed me too a lady that bred chickens

 

[PhyllisASherer]

Welcome to BYC!

For me free/inexpensive = in bad condition.. Also personally I'd get at least 3. If you loose one, the other one won't be lonely. Good luck!

(I currently only have two nests, as that's what I was promised with these other girls that I never received.)

 

[PhyllisASherer]

How about looking into your nearby farms and asking if they would know where you could buy healthy chickens for a small fee.
Or check out your local papers, you may find people offering them for free, if you look up their advertisements online.

As already said, three would be best, I was told this many year ago long before I got my chickens. One died on new year so was pleased I took onboard that advice

My local farmer directed me too a lady that bred chickens

Yes, been there, done that.

 

[Marie2020]

Yes, been there, done that.

Hopefully someone will have answers for you soon

 

[citymeetscountry]

(I currently only have two nests, as that's what I was promised with these other girls that I never received.)

They’ll likely share a nest. I have 4 hens and 2 nest boxes, I have found 3 hens all on top of each other in 1 box at the same time. Usually their eggs are all in the same box. If I remember correctly it’s 3-4 birds/box when planning? Hopefully someone can chime in and correct me if I’m wrong. Size of coop/run/roost would matter more than boxes.

 

[Silkie Princess]

(I currently only have two nests, as that's what I was promised with these other girls that I never received.)

Do you mean like nest boxes? Where the hens will lay? If so, you only need 1 nest per 4 hens (google)