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They may have this policy because of local ordinances. Here is one from where I live:
Sec. 4-117. Sale of chickens and ducklings; quantity restricted; keeping of chickens.
(a) Chickens or ducklings younger than eight (8) weeks of age may not be sold in quantities of less than six (6) to a single purchaser.
(b) Except in those zone districts where the keeping of farm animals (as the term is defined in Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code) is allowed, the keeping of chicken roosters or more than six (6) chicken hens is prohibited. However, up to six (6) chicken hens may be kept per parcel of property, subject to the following requirements and subject to all other applicable provisions of this Chapter
Everyone ignores (a) because if you already have 3 hens and want add to your flock, you would have to buy 6 chicks then re-home them at 8 weeks to 51 weeks of age to be compliant with the law. Who would do that? Folks just get the 3 chicks they need and be done with it.
This is an example of how a good-intentioned law can have unintended consequences, and is why the discourse of whole thread is so complicated. No easy answer. Can't legislate people's smarts or wisdom.