Where to buy pullets in Massachusetts?

[fpgill]

Hello,

I'm still in the process of getting my coop and run set up, but once I do: can anyone recommend a good place to buy pullets in Massachusetts? The local Agways, and Erickson's Feed (Acton) only sell day old chicks and aren't even selling those at this time of year. I live in Lexington but I'm willing to travel a bit.

I will be looking for four pullets and my main concerns are getting a cold hardy breed that lays decently and is fairly docile. I was thinking of two Orpingtons and two Australorps. There are a number of ads on Craigslist but I'm a novice and don't know what the chances of getting birds that are diseased or have parasites?

thanks!

 

[fpgill]

Nobody?

 

[FF]

Moyers in Pennsylvania has them but only White Leghorns and red stars. I don't know if that helps at any or not. Craigslist would be a good place like you said the diseases and stuff. Put it this way. Check their skin for bugs, sores, mites and pale skin. Feathers need to be glossy and flush. Feet need to be clean. Check their you know what. If it has a big white spot on top and no worms then you're fine. Nothing runny. Check their living conditions also. Make sure they have been taken care of and they will be fine. Honestly wherever you get them they are going to have some kind of "disease" whether it be just a little something that all chickens have kind of like a cold in humans or something like that or it could be just nothing. But they will always carry certain bacteria and stuff like that. Just check those chickens out real good and you will be fine. Good Luck

 

[MikeS(erama)]

There are always swaps and stocks going on. I recommend checking out these two links:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=313926

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=365202

Always a great time, and you can find many different breeds ranging from a few weeks old to laying hens.

 

[madhater52]

I recommend Road Island Reds or Bard Rocks. Good layers all year round and survive the NE Winter much better than most. I usually get my birds from Horse & Buggy Feed in Winchendon.
Got started late this year myself but now have my Cornish chickens and my Turkeys all set. I'm looking for some new egg layers. I only want about a half dozen.