Where to go for pullets now?

[karnds]

This is our first time raising chickens and we were loving it!
We came back from being away 2 nights and 1 day to find that some raccoons got into our coop.

and got all of our girls. (only 4)
They would have started laying in about a month. We are devastated. Luckily there wasn't too much damage to the coop.
but where can we get more girls at this late in the game without spending a fortune for each one? and we don't want to start over again!

 

[cletus the rooster]

where do you live?

 

[Lollipop]

Keep an eye on Craigs List. Always a selection within a couple hours of my place........Pop

 

[karnds]

I'm in Northern California.
Just was looking on Craigslist now the chickens are $20.00 a pop! I got our girls for 3.99
Is that what they go for?

 

[speckledhen]

I sell point of lay pullets for $10 each, more if they are rare breeds. Before you get more, please fix the weak spots in your coop so no predators can get in again.

 

[clio]

Have you tried Western Farm Center in Santa Rosa?

They usually have pullets, well taken care of, in my opinion. Call to ask; they are open Labor Day Monday.

 

[Lollipop]

Yep, like Cynthia said, that`s pretty high, but maybe they`re something special. You might also try a note on the bulletin board at the feed store. Don`t be in a big hurry. Good things come to those who wait, and ummm, fix your pen.......Pop

 

[karnds]

Definitely fixing the coop before we get more. Luckily not much damage, we will double up the fencing.
I'll check out the place in Santa Rosa! thanks

 

[math ace]

I also sell my point of lay pullets for $10. I buy younger pullets 2 - 3 month olds for $5 - $8 depending on how special the breed.

You may of only paid $3 - 4 for your chicks, but there has been a lot of food invested in them since then. When you add up your feed cost, it is easy to justify paying more for older birds. JUST make sure you are buying HEALTHY older birds. Look them over good for lice and mites before you bring them home.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

I paid 12$ for my brown egg layers at POL....My BCMarans, I paid 25$each at 4months.. My true Ameraucanas I paid 5$ each at 3 weeks... I agree, much more care and food has been invested in a POL hen/pullet compared to a chick... I wouldn't sell my 1yr old layers for less than 25$.. It will cost me that much to get them to this point...

As some one else mentioned, spend this 'down time' to repair your coop and use a heavier wire.. or you will continue to have the same problem.. Good luck