Why Wait?

[jgaepi]

The California Hatchery looks good but they say nothing until Feb. I send them a message though. You never know if I offer to pick something up.

In regards to the brooder light, I ordered off Amazon. I figured after buying so much material in person to build the run, I would be lazy and order a few items off Amazon.

 

[jgaepi]

Belt Hatchery says they have closed up shop for the winter. There are more dogs and cats than everyone could possibly want, but no baby chicks.

 

[BlazeJester]

My head nearly fell off when I saw the prices. Check Meyer hatchery if you're going the hatchery route - they also have a minimum of 3 chicks but they don't charge $5 for a standard chick or $2.50 for sexing!!! I didn't get around to seeing the shipping costs, but I'd price them out carefully.

I did see in their FAQ that they do not allow visitors to the hatchery. Shipping may be cheaper since you live close by, though.

Quote:

 

[MustLoveHens]

Oh duh! The no chicks locally problem makes sense now that I'm thinking on it. In November, in Cali the chickens have just ended their molt. Hens don't lay in molt not have I ever seen one brood in molt "season". As much as I'd love to help you get chicks now, you may just have to wait until Spring. With the shorter days (lack of sun light) hens either don't lay or don't lay well. California is more mild in climate so you might find some 4-Her who has chicks near the end of Dec or Jan.

My 2 Cents:
IMHO: As far as Rare breeds go, I would recommend that you get some experience under your belt before venturing into them. While they are some of the best breeds ever, some rare breeds require more knowledge then others.

 

[hemet dennis]

I did see in their FAQ that they do not allow visitors to the hatchery. Shipping may be cheaper since you live close by, though.
I think you can still pick up chicks just no tours


You can order from Ideal but you have to order 25 or more, if you don't want that many see if some one will split them with you. they have standard pullets for only $1.50 @ plus shipping. that's just what i would do.
good luck

 

[Hunter0704]

I live in Missouri and ordered ducklings and chicks from California Hatchery this past September....yes, I paid more than some other hatcheries, but I wanted all girls and no boys, which you have no control over unless you pay a hatchery to have them sexed. If you can't have roosters, then you are going to need to have the baby chicks sexed. I recommend Buff Orphington and Barred Rock chicks. They are quiet and calm and very friendly. Your kids will love them.

 

[KFaye]

I just ordered some chicks through www.healthychicksandmore.com
I did get several breeds again. My first run with chicks I did all shapes and sizes. So glad I did! They are wonderful, easy and make my family very happy. All are layers. With eggs you never know what you are getting. But shop around and you will find pullets.

 

[wbruder17]

Orpingtons in general are not "Gucci" breeds. The only reason the Lavender ones are considered "rare" is the coloring. The breed itself is as common as apple pie.

 

[wolftracks]

OR you come to the California thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=7936666#p7936666, meet some of the breeders and chicken people in the state and get help deciding what you want. You can also go to the very first post in the thread and find breeder and their lists of breeds. Keep in mind that the breeder list is a work in progress, so more will be added.

I go to Davis every coupld of month. Well I go through Davis. My husband is buried in Dixon. We can even see if there's something we can move for you through the Egg Train.

 

[jgaepi]

wolftracks,

I am sorry to hear about your husband. Is he buried at the Dixon Veteran's Memorial? I am a veteran too and always sad to drive by that memorial.