Where to purchase 4wk-juveniles

[torsinadoc]

I am looking at starting my backyard flock. I have decided that I would rather start started pullets . My question is what to look for when purchasing (vaccination, lack of debeaking, etc). Do most people get them online from a hatchery or locally?

 

[huntseat]

If you just want layers and not a specific breed, then you might call your local county agent and ask if any of the 4-H or FFA kids raise chickens.

If that won't work you might as around at a local feed store.

People have had problems with craigslist ads giving them sick birds. Stay local if you can but stick with a recommendation and not just an add in the paper.

Have you looked here on the Buy~Sell~trade forum? Your state forum Where am I? Where are you? might also point you to local chicken people.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/53/chicks-1-day-to-8-weeks-old

 

[torsinadoc]

thanks

Alan

 

[donrae]

You're not going to get 4 week old birds from a hatchery. They'll be more like 4-5 months. It's likely they'll be debeaked, as started pullets from hatcheries often go to commercial confinement egg operations. They'll also be $$$ to purchase and ship.

I'd look local. Folks around here advertise chicks a lot. You can find day olds to point of lay, given some time for searching.

 

[Kelsie2290]

X3, your best bet is to check your state thread for local birds https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread since shipping etc will be a lot cheaper. There are some commercial hatcheries that sell 4 week olds, McMurray http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/4_week_old_chicks_category.html

 

[torsinadoc]

Found someone locally to get my 10 wk old pullets. He even drove them to my house and dropped them off.