Should we hatch or buy baby chicks?

[Hotwings]

I am not a real authority on incubators but as a beginner I would just buy already hatched chicks from the feed store. Eggs in a incubator take care and there is the humidity and the turning of eggs and etc. As I said I never had any personal experience just what I read here. Many chicks don't survive, at least when you buy chicks at the feed store they have already survived the hatching expeirence and travel. I prefer the natural way with a hen, but sometimes this doesn't work cause you need fertile eggs and a breed that is broody to do this, but I believe the experience in watching a hen raise her own brood and the the interaction neat.

 

[chickenranchwife]

I don't think incubation is a bad way to go to be real honest. Yes you have the cost of an incubator, and to buy fertile eggs. It depends on how many you want also. If you just want a few then I'd say go buy them, but if you want a lot of them, I'd say hatch them out. I spent over $200.00 on chicks last spring at the feed store, and this year I haven't even come close to that. I really think incubation is the way to go myself.

 

[Josie]

chickenranchwife makes some really good points. Another reason to hatch is if there are specific breeds and quality you want that is not available locally.

If you are doing a small number, it will be more economical to buy chicks.

Remember these are just opinions, if you really have your heart set on one or the other, and resources are not prohibitive, do what you want! The only thing you have to do, MUST, MUST, MUST, is post pics!

 

[OkapisRule]

It's fine to buy, but definitely get as young as possible!

 

[jadell]

When I first started wanting chicks, I wanted to hatch them. Then I found out how much everything was going to be! I would agree though that you need to do what you want. If you have the time, money, and patience to hatch, do it. I didn't have the money, and I wanted several, so I bought day olds. I can tell you it seems a little more rewarding to me when I start a seed for the garden in Feb, and I don't have to buy the plants in April!

 

[OklahomaJamie]

Thank you all so much for the great advice!! I'll buy some, and I'll post some pics when we get them. Is Atwood's a good place to buy?

Thanks,
Jamie

 

[Grillmaster33]

I am hatching chicks. But bought three today.

Two Ameracaunas and one Polish.
One of the chicks has been pecked in the eye. His eye has been shut all day. Is there something that can be done?

 

[OklahomaJamie]

Posted my pics in the Me, My Chickens and My Family forum. Let me know what you think!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=49108

 

[mangled]

We bought chicks and had them shipped, they're all wonderful, healthy, friendly babies.

We also bought an incubator and are going to raise our own flock.

One thing to consider if you are hatching your own eggs...eggs don't come sexed. If you're wanting birds for a pet flock and you're incubating, you'll have a fair amount of pet roosters, or you'll have to cull or find homes for them.

We plan on using our excess roosters for meat.

Good luck-
Em

 

[Acre of Blessings]

CALLING ALL FEED STORES!!!!!!!!!!! SHE NEEDS SOME CHICKS..........................