Where do you get them?

[LisaVMN13]

Just wondering if you are just starting out where do you get your chicks? Sad to say money is a concern

 

[rosemarythyme]

Guess it depends on if there's anything specific you're looking for (certain breeds, show quality, etc). "Rare" breeds will cost more. Cheapest should just be to go to your local feed store and pick out more common breeds. Yes they mark up prices because they have to make a profit but this also means you're not paying shipping or having to absorb losses from shipping.

 

[21hens-incharge]

From my experience the feed store is the least costly and you DON'T pay shipping or much if any mark up.
Our feed stores make their profits from selling the things that chickens (and other critters) need regularly like feed and accessories.

If you are looking for a specific breed and they don't show any coming in many will add your special chicks to an existing order if the hatchery they use carries that breed. No extra charge.

 

[rosemarythyme]

From my experience the feed store is the least costly and you DON'T pay shipping or much if any mark up.
Our feed stores make their profits from selling the things that chickens (and other critters) need regularly like feed and accessories.

If you are looking for a specific breed and they don't show any coming in many will add your special chicks to an existing order if the hatchery they use carries that breed. No extra charge.

*grumbles* Mine definitely was marking up prices. But I couldn't beat the convenience of having chicks only a 3 minute drive away.

And yes some stores are willing to do special orders for breeds they don't carry, though they usually need some advance notice as hatcheries do "sell out" of some breeds in advance.

 

[LisaVMN13]

Here in England they don’t sell chicks at feed stores or have hatcheries similar to the ones in the USA. We have pullet raisers and private breeders. Some pullet raisers operate similar to an American hatchery, you can pay £60+ for a van to deliver you several chickens.
So it depends on where you’re from in the world really. I assume if you’re wanting to keep costs down, you won’t be breeding and needing top stock?

One has to start somewhere

From my experience the feed store is the least costly and you DON'T pay shipping or much if any mark up.
Our feed stores make their profits from selling the things that chickens (and other critters) need regularly like feed and accessories.

If you are looking for a specific breed and they don't show any coming in many will add your special chicks to an existing order if the hatchery they use carries that breed. No extra charge.

That makes sense, thank you

 

[21hens-incharge]

*grumbles* Mine definitely was marking up prices. But I couldn't beat the convenience of having chicks only a 3 minute drive away.

And yes some stores are willing to do special orders for breeds they don't carry, though they usually need some advance notice as hatcheries do "sell out" of some breeds in advance.

Yes definitely give them several weeks notice.

I will add that if they can only get a certain breed straight run ..... As is the case with the ducks I want.....it may be best to order sexed so you know what to expect.
Recalling buying 5 straight run silkies and getting all males decades ago. Kind of scarred me for life.

 

[jreardon1918]

Our first batch we got through MyPet Chicken. They arrived healthy. All female. We lost a few. I assume that was us not knowing what we were doing. This time around we will get chicks from our feed store. They are farm and animal folks. So they really know their stuff. And there is always a friendly dog or two milling about the store. They publish a calendar of dates and breeds available. The price is pretty good when you consider they pay the shipping.
And this year we will brood in the coop/run using the MHP. Construction starts today.

 

[aart]

Just wondering if you are just starting out where do you get your chicks? Sad to say money is a concern

Chicks are cheap(cheepcheep) if bought locally.
It's the brooder and heater and coop and run and...all the other stuff that gets spendy.
Build your coop and run first, then buy chicks.

 

[jreardon1918]

Chicks are cheap(cheepcheep) if bought locally.
It's the brooder and heater and coop and run and...all the other stuff that gets spendy.
Build your coop and run first, then buy chicks.

Of all the advice you get, build first is very important.

 

[LisaVMN13]

Chicks are cheap(cheepcheep) if bought locally.
It's the brooder and heater and coop and run and...all the other stuff that gets spendy.
Build your coop and run first, then buy chicks.

good advice, thanks!