Should I buy local or mail order?

[TheChickenCameFirst]

I am trying to think of where I should buy my chicks and/or pullets. I'm not sure I like the idea of ordering them, but I cannot find any local breeders or farms in my area (Southern NH). At least not any that have comprehensive websites. I know that a local fair in Deerfield NH has chickens for sale... is that a good way to go? That's the only thing I can think of... maybe I can get info from some of the showers/breeders there? I'd love to support my local economy!!

Please let me know what you have experienced, and tell me whats best!! Thanks!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
I believe another BYC member, SHAY20 is in Southern New Hampshire, I believe, (or very northern MA) and she's a breeder and knows lots of others in the area. In fact, I think she has a "ChickenStock" coming up soon. If you can buy locally from a reputable breeder, it's far preferable to having them shipped. I bought three Frizzle Cochins from SHAY20 in January.

Here's her website: http://shay5134.webs.com/

 

[rebel yell]

i would defenetly buy local if you can, i have never ordered chicks, have ordered eggs & had good luck that way, but just dont like buying something i cant see, have heard to many bad stoires about ordering chicks.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You might look on here for someone local.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=285981

Considering that several of the hatcheries ship about 100,000 chicks a week during the high season, I think there are a surprising few horror stories with shipped hatchery chicks. Ordering from a hatchery is not a bad way to go. However, if you can find what you want locally from a reputable person, I think you are better off doing that.

Good luck!

 

[shay20]

Hi, There is a Chickenstock at my place next weekend on the 22nd, There will be a lot of breeders includeing myself selling chicks, All types of veritys, all type of ages.
I live in Townsend Ma, right under the nh border on rt 13.
You are more than welcome to come check it out and see if you see anything you want to get. You can get a lot info info as well froma lot different breeders.
Here is the link to teh thread on teh chickenstock
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=4672428#p4672428

 

[shay20]

Quote:
I believe another BYC member, SHAY20 is in Southern New Hampshire, I believe, (or very northern MA) and she's a breeder and knows lots of others in the area. In fact, I think she has a "ChickenStock" coming up soon. If you can buy locally from a reputable breeder, it's far preferable to having them shipped. I bought three Frizzle Cochins from SHAY20 in January.

Here's her website: http://shay5134.webs.com/

Yep chickenstock comeing up. Thanks. I am right under the NH border in Ma.

 

[TheChickenCameFirst]

Quote:
I am very close to that area!! I will try and figure out if we can make it! I'm just worried we may not have our coop up and running. If not, I may just come to glean some info? Thanks so much everyone, you have been SUPER helpful!!