So, you’ve decided to raise chickens—great choice! Whether you’re after fresh eggs,
homegrown meat, or just some feathery friends, buying chickens online or locally has never been
easier. But before you place an order, let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Why Buy Chickens?
Picture this: You step outside with a cup of coffee, ready to start your day. Instead of a noisy
alarm clock, you are greeted by the gentle clucks of your hens. You reach into the nesting box and
pull out a warm, fresh egg—breakfast doesn’t get better than that.
Chickens offer:
- Fresh eggs (healthier and tastier than store-bought)
- Natural pest control (they love eating bugs)
- Sustainable living (reduce food waste and enrich soil)
- Fun and personality (chickens are surprisingly social!)
Once you have chickens, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Is It Worth It to Buy Chickens?
Raising chickens takes effort, but the rewards are worth it.
- Egg production: A healthy hen lays about 250 eggs per year.
- Cost savings: Store-bought organic eggs are pricey!
- Entertainment: Chickens are full of personality.
Yes, chickens need food, shelter, and care—but if you’re prepared, they’ll more than earn their keep.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Chick?
Baby chicks are surprisingly affordable. Prices depend on the breed:
- Common breeds (Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns): $3 – $5 per chick
- Heritage breeds (Orpingtons, Wyandottes): $5 – $10 per chick
- Rare breeds (Ayam Cemani, Swedish Flower Hens): $20 – $50+ per chick
- Bantams (Silkies, Sebrights): $4 – $8 per chick
Chicks also need a brooder setup, heat source, and feed, so factor those costs in.
How to Buy Chickens
You have several options:
- Local farm stores (Tractor Supply, Rural King) – Buy in person, see the chicks before
purchasing. - Small breeders – Healthier, well-socialized birds.
- Commercial hatcheries – The widest selection, with chicks shipped directly to you.
What Is the Best Time to Buy Chickens?
Spring is the best time to buy chicks.
- Spring chicks will start laying in late summer or fall.
- Summer chicks may start laying before winter.
- Fall chicks will need indoor brooding to survive the cold.
- Winter chicks require extra heat and care.
If you are a beginner, start in spring when conditions are easiest.
Buying Chickens Locally
Where to Buy Chickens Near Me?
Check your local feed store, Tractor Supply, or small farms nearby.
When Can You Buy Chickens at Tractor Supply?
Tractor Supply’s Chick Days run from February through April, with some locations selling into
summer.
What Chickens Are Available at Tractor Supply?
Stock varies, but you’ll typically find:
- Rhode Island Reds (great egg layers)
- Barred Rocks (hardy and friendly)
- Buff Orpingtons (gentle and good layers)
- Cornish Cross (for meat production)
- Assorted Bantams (tiny and fun!)
Buying Chickens from Small Farms or Breeders
Buying from local breeders is a great option if you're looking for:
- Better genetics and healthier birds
- Unique or rare breeds
- Personalized advice and support
Just keep in mind that small farms often sell out fast, so reserve your chicks early.
Buying from Commercial Hatcheries
If you want the biggest breed selection, ordering from a hatchery is the way to go. Many
hatcheries ship day-old chicks across the country.
Some popular hatcheries:
- Murray McMurray Hatchery
- Cackle Hatchery
- Meyer Hatchery
Before ordering, check for minimum purchase requirements and shipping dates.
How to Order Chickens Online
1. Choose a hatchery – Compare breeds, prices, and shipping policies.
2. Pick your chicks – Most hatcheries require a minimum order of 3-15 chicks.
3. Select a shipping date – Chicks are shipped as day-olds and must be picked up at the
post office.
4. Prepare the brooder – Have heat, bedding, and chick feed ready before they arrive.
Best Egg Layers
If you want reliable egg production, consider these breeds:
- White Leghorns – 300+ eggs/year
- Rhode Island Reds – 250-300 eggs/year
- Golden Comets – 280-320 eggs/year
- Buff Orpingtons – 200-250 eggs/year
When to Buy Chickens for Eggs?
For maximum egg production, buy in early spring so they start laying in late summer or fall.
When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?
Most hens start laying around 5-6 months old. Some early layers, like Leghorns, start at 4 months, while larger breeds take longer.
Meat Chickens for Sale
If you are raising chickens for meat, consider:
- Cornish Cross – Fast-growing, ready in 6-8 weeks
- Red Rangers – Slower-growing but better for free-range
- Freedom Rangers – Pasture-raised alternative to Cornish Cross
When to Buy Meat Chickens?
Start in early spring for summer harvesting.
Rare Chicken Breeds for Sale
Want something unique? Consider:
- Ayam Cemani – All-black and rare
- Swedish Flower Hens – Beautiful speckled birds
- Cream Legbar – Lays blue eggs
Bantam Chickens for Sale
Bantams are great for small spaces. Popular breeds include:
- Silkies – Fluffy and friendly
- Sebrights – Beautiful feather patterns
- Seramas – The world’s smallest chicken
Create a Custom Backyard Flock
Mixing different breeds can make for a fun and colorful flock. Just make sure all your chickens
have similar temperaments—aggressive breeds can bully more docile ones.
Buying Sexed Chicks
Most hatcheries sell sexed chicks, meaning you can choose pullets (hens) or cockerels (roosters).
However, sexing is not 100% accurate, so be prepared for surprises!
- Straight Run: Unsexed mix of males and females
- Pullets: Female chicks for egg-laying
- Cockerels: Male chicks for meat or breeding
Coop’s Final Thoughts
Buying chickens is exciting, whether online or in person. Take your time, pick the right breeds,
and enjoy the journey—because nothing beats fresh eggs from your own backyard flock.
Ready to start? Check out our Ultimate Chicken Breed Selector to find the perfect birds
for your flock!