Where should I buy my chicks?

[Xiao Casa]

Hi everyone,

I am new to chickens and was wondering if anyone can point out a place to buy chicks near San Antonio, Texas. Hatcheries, feed stores, local breeders, and farms are all okay, but I would love to get Easter Eggers if possible, and preferably have either pre-sexed or several week old chicks so I can "guess". Any help is appreciated!

 

[WilhelminaD]

I don't know the area, but I thought Murray McMurray did a good job with ours. We have lost three chicks, one the first day and one of those three had Runting Stunting Syndrome. However, the remaining 13 have been doing exceptionally well! (As far as I can tell - it's my first time with chicks!) They have a good selection and EXCELLENT customer service.

 

[annelions]

I'm not in Texas at all but I would suggest checking Craigslist, personally. You may have to go through a lot of ads, but at least where I am there are a TON of people who will sell anything from baby chicks to full grown hens. A lot of them are apparently semi-commercial places where you can go and inspect where the chickens have been living, so you can see what kind of birds the parents are and how healthy the flock is.

 

[Xiao Casa]

Okay, I will be sure to ckeck out Craigslist. Also, if anybody on BYC lives in or near San Antonio and has fertile eggs (or chicks, pullets) for Easter Eggers to sell, I'd be happy to buy some of your extras!

 

[Xiao Casa]

Or who lives in San Antonio and and might know of a place I can purchase locally? Shipping may be an option, but it seems more expensive compared to buying locally, if I can.

Also glad your chicks are doing well, Wellie WPW.

 

[Joshua G]

X2 With checking Craig'slist
I've ordered from Welp Hatchery and they have free shipping.

 

[lovemy6hens]

I'm north of Austin, 1.5 hrs away depending on which part of San Antonio you're in. Our local feed store receives chicks once each week from Ideal Poultry and they've all been healthy, good looking, reliable egg-layers, with sweet personalities. They post their orders for customers to see about a month in advance so you'll know what they're expecting.
Customers may order from Ideal Poultry (in Cameron, TX) and they will ship to you or you may pick them up at their office when they've notified you that they're ready. There is a minimum, whether shipping or picking up.

 

[lovemy6hens]

I should add that we have two different colors of Easter-eggers from them and they are two of my favorites.

 

[rnchick74]

If you decide to go through a hatchery, I've had great customer service so far from Meyers hatchery. They are in OH but will ship anywhere. They do have EE and do sex birds so you can buy female day old chicks. You might want to check out their website, or give them a call.

 

[lovemy6hens]

I should have mentioned sexing them too. Ideal does and the local feed store also marks them in the bins as well (as either straight run or pullets).