Often large hatcheries offer started pullets that are close to point of lay. The cost of the bird isn’t too expensive, but the shipping can be.
If there are any egg facilities near you, maybe see if you can buy “spent hens” from them. They are past their high production years, but will still lay. Not sure if this is a viable option.
You can call your local 4-H/county extension office and see if they know of any kids wanting to get rid of any chickens. My kid is in 4-H and we tend to do a spring removal (sell at auction) and a late fall Reduction. With the possibility of cancellation of fairs, more chickens may be available this way.
see if there are any “livestock auctions” near you. The one we use has a monthly auction, lots of small animals .... many chickens. This past month they were accepting animals and sellers stayed in cars. No spectators allowed, but only 1 person per buying group allowed, spaced out. they were limiting the number of buyers to maintain space and distance and had a hard stop time, but sounds like it all worked out. We found ours just by googling “livestock auction near me”.
check Craig’s List. But, buyer beware- unscrupulous will try to sell males as females (so know how to tell the difference), or sick birds, so do a good check over before buying: check vent area for mites/live, check pelvic area to see evidence of active laying, check eyes for any anomalies and comb should be bright red.
