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[Mort11]

Hello, everyone,

I've been studying on BYC and we have finally built a coop (many wonderful ideas from this site), fenced it in and are ready for chickens...but, we were hoping to get older chickens, not tiny chicks.

Is this the worst possible time to find adult chickens? We're in Georgia and would appreciate any pointers from the pros!

 

[BuckAlorp]

Hey Mort, Welcome to the club. I'm new here too, first week or so. I was a long time lurker though and I learned a lot from these peeps and I look forward to learning much more.

 

[Mort11]

Hey, Buck--thanks for the reply. This site is inspiring and I hope to learn a great deal from folks on here.
I see you're soon to move South.
To Georgia, perhaps or elsewhere?

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!

 

[liz9910]

some feed stores sell pullets/hens that are already laying. I'm not sure about in your area, I would post in your state's thread to see if anyone local can help you out: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you good luck

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

You might stop by your state thread and chat with your chicken neighbors. Maybe there is someone locally that has some extra birds for you...https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/240/georgia-here-too

You can also take a look in our Buy Sell and Trade section too for some local birds....https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/67/buy-sell-trade

Also, check the bulletin boards at feed stores. Many times people have fliers to sell their flocks.

Have you stopped by our learning center yet? Lots of helpful tips and hints on raising your new birds....https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Make yourself at home here and if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Welcome to our flock!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.

No, I don't think that this is the "worst" time to be looking for adult birds. In fact, you probably have a greater chance of finding some now then in the spring. People may be selling point-of-lay pullets from spring hatches. Show bird breeders are looking to get rid of the birds they aren't going to use for their breeder flock. As winter approaches, people are downsizing to avoid carrying too many through the winter.

But, it still may be hard to find birds. Definitely check out the links that Two Crows posted. Hopefully, somebody nearby you has some for sale, or knows somebody else who has birds for sale.

Good luck in your search!

 

[Mort11]

Thank you ALL for the responses and the warm welcome.
I have a feeling this site is packed full of wonderful people.

Is there anything I should look out for (as an obvious indication of disease or ailment of the chicken) when looking to purchase chickens from an individual?
This site is so full of info, I haven't made it to every forum, yet, although I am sure there is info on obvious ailments to look out for. (this site could become addictive!)

Many thanks to you all, again!

 

[drumstick diva]

Obvious things to look out for - nasal or ocular discharge, cough or sneezing. Toes - not curled up, or twisted to one side. Skin under feathers should not have sores, wounds or reddened areas. Birds should walk & stand on straight legs, not crouched down on their hocks. Watch out for cross beaks, they get worse as chicks grow. A bird that gapes a lot, opens mouth frequently like they want to expel something but don't could be signs of gape worms.

That's a lot to remember and it doesn't cover everything but, it's a good check list to start

 

[Sustained]

Glad to have you! Check craigslist for adult birds. I'm in Oregon so it may be different here but I always see ads for adults needing homes. Lots of different breeds and a lot of times they're free. I hope you find a breed you like!