Around here, most people buy their chickens as chicks from the Tractor Supply Company store, I think. I know they don't last long when they get a shipment in, given that Millinocket residents are now able to have chickens. Of course, you could probably do better from a poultry or egg farm if you have one near you.
Faye I don't want an old hen I want young hen aka pullet. I have 3 old hens. i read on BackYard Chickens that people have been getting old hens form places that were calling them pullets. Our hens are going to be 5 years, born old on 3-20-18. So I want young hens.
I'm not a chicken farmer but I don't think it takes long for a chick to become a laying hen. Two to three months, I think, which is why most people (to my knowledge) buy their chickens as chicks.
That might be tough to find unless you can find someone that raised more pullets than they need and would sell them. If your fair is yet to come, go there and asked around. 4 H and FFA kids many times will sell their extra pullets.
Ken we have always did that. But its not easy when so much other stuff is going on now. You have to keep them under a heat lamp and feed ,care for them. They are cute growing up but noisy and messy keeping brooder clean. but training these tow dogs plus caring for our 15 yo large dog Molly is plenty while hubby works on autos, mows acre's of grass and I do all household jobs plus try to get garden ready for fall.
We've always had good luck with Ideal Poultry so I just ordered 10 peeps from them since order has to be over $30.00 plus $10,00 for shipping Will ship on Oct.7th. https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=b6f9...aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaWRlYWxwb3VsdHJ5LmNvbS8&ntb=1
Maria I forgot to mention that I often see ads for pullets on Craigslist. The prices will vary as well the breed. My recent Craigslist has a few ads running right now see photo below.
My suggestion about online was a local site advertising where you might find pullets and could drive to. A Craigslist of sorts. We have ad bulletin boards at some of the local fruit stands. I live in a big agricultural area, so just about anything farm or ranch-related can be found here.
Thanks Faye. I just ordered 10 peeps, will give away 5 when they are older. Pullets are hard to come by.