We have never ordered from a hatchery but plan to order from Cackle this spring. We mostly get them from breeders and the sale barn. Craigslist is a great place to look for breeders and things. I wouldn't recommend chick day (feed stores) b/c they are usually marked way up. For chicks I would not pay more than $2 each and for layers I won't pay more than $7 each.