Thank You For Being A Hen....The Gossett Girls (coming soon)

[gossettk76]

Hey guys! I'm new to BYC and I'm in the process now of building my first coop. I was just wondering where y'all get your chickens? Tractor Supply or from a hatchery or somewhere else?? I'm seriously thinking about getting Australorps for starters since they're friendly, dependable and laid back. Any kind of feedback would be helpful. Thanks guys!!

 

[C. Conner]

Welcome to BYC! I bought most of my chickens from my local feed store who gets theirs from Ideal Poultry. I like dealing with my local feed store but they only have chicks in the late winter/early spring. Out of 30 chicks I only got 2 roosters. The last 7 I bought were from Tractor Supply. Thought I was buying sex links but turned out to be Rhode Island Reds (all turned out to be hens). I love my Black Australorp and she is a good layer.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I got my first chicks from a hatchery, added 3 pullets I bought from a farm in PA when the original chickens were 6.5 months old and will be ordering more chicks from the same hatchery this spring.
I have 1 black Australorp who is a good layer but terribly skittish.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. 54 years ago we bought our home from a man whose last name was Gossett. He was from Long Island originally.

 

[gossettk76]

Welcome to BYC. 54 years ago we bought our home from a man whose last name was Gossett. He was from Long Island originally.

I had an uncle from New York but not Long Island. He wished up and moved south.

 

[Shadrach]

Hello gossettk76.
Welcome to BYC.
The last arrivals came from someone in the local village.

 

[N F C]

My first batch of chicks were from CraigsList (refuse to try that again). The second batch, and much healthier, were from a hatchery. This third batch were from a fellow BYC'er and they've been great girls too.

Best wishes to you, make yourself at home here!

 

[ronott1]

You will love Australorps!

 

[mrskenmore]

Hi Gossettk76!



There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding where to get your first chicks. Looks like you have done some good research about breeds- I have heard great things about BA's so good start! There are local feed stores such as Agway that sell sexed chicks (usually have to preorder and they have a minimum amount that you have to buy, typically 6 chicks and you are allowed to pick any of the breeds they supply) Agway is great as they also sell feed and supplies that you will need for the brooder to start. People on this forum have also gotten chicks from Tractor Supply Co, but there is some negative feedback so be sure to do your research. Hatcheries are great if you can meet the minimum shipping order, some hatcheries do smaller orders in warmer months at a higher price. See this article about hatcheries that is really informative

https://www.communitychickens.com/how-does-your-favorite-mail-order-hatchery-stack-up/

In the end ask lots of questions- I always ask the local feed store what hatchery they get their chicks, then research that hatchery. Are the chicks vaccinated? What is the return policy on roos (males) if they are sexed pullets (females)? What is the minimum order quantity?

All in all, raising chickens is fun AND rewarding- Do your homework first so you can enjoy them fully once you get them!

Good Luck!

 

[Callender Girl]

I have gotten chickens from local 4-H'ers who raise up a bunch then decide who NOT to take to the county fair; both times that has turned out well. I'm not trying to win any ribbons, so I don't care if they aren't show quality birds. But, those are pretty much adult chickens by then -- though generally well handled by their 4-H'ers.

Craigslist, not so good for me. The free-range "friends" turned on each other in the close quarters of quarantine.

I have been very happy with all the chicks I have gotten from the local Bomgaars farm store. They do all of their buying from Hoover's Hatchery. I have never had a problem with any of the birds, including the geese. And, Hoover's offer a nice variety of breeds, many of which Bomgaars will have at some time during the year. I like being able to see and choose my own chicks from the big brooders in-store. Even at a day or two old, some chicks have some obvious personality.

The other feed store in town also gets its birds from Hoover's. And, that store will allow customers to buy ANYTHING that Hoover's offers, even a single chick, if that's what you want. BUT, the store will only place the order when at least 15 chicks have been collectively ordered by its customers. So, you may get your chick(s) in a couple of days or have to wait weeks until enough other customers want Hoover's babies.

Good luck with your future flock, however you decide to build it!