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RE: Buying Hens

Chicken Farmer — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:50:54 GMT

Well here is my story. I started our with 3 chickens that my gradfather gave me. 2 month later i had 15 ameraucana chicks from a hatchery. 3 months i got 6 white leghorns from a 4-h project. That was all last year. I also got a few here and there to get an approximatly 25 at the beginning of this year. In March i really got into it and got 650 baby chicks and 25 more for my 4-h project Yes chickens can be realy addicting

Rosters are another issue. If you like to sleep in and your chickens are near by with the window open good luck. I have 2 and it gets quite noisy but they can be quite funny at times. also they give the hens a little protection but dont rely on them.

RE: Buying Hens

crazy4chickens — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:35:00 GMT

I have been obsessed for the past year with the idea of raising chickens for eggs. My aunts all had chickens so I think it's a gene thing. I would like to know if you think I am crazy. And since I will go ahead and try it regardless of what is said, what is the best advice you can give to someone like me. Should I begin with a half dozen hens and grow from there? What are the most common mistakes beginners make? Do I want a rooster or will I end up sicing the dog on him at am? Is there a cure for this obsession? Any help and advise will be welcome.

RE: Buying Hens

Pendeen — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:26:38 GMT

Hi,

I got mine from McMurray Hatchery. You can order 'point of lay' pullets and they'll ship them overnight. Shipping seemed expensive but the quality of the birds was excellent and they are great layers.

Good luck!

RE: Buying Hens

PaintedPastures — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:01:39 GMT

Hi~

A couple of other places that maybe you havent thought of is

www.freecycle.org ??? This site is not for selling...rather things that people want or want to give away. I have seen goats & chickens all kinds of things for our area on there. Also our credit union has a "swap sheet" ....there are goats listed on it right now. Also maybe www.craigslist.com ?

Hope that helps!~

RE: Buying Hens

Lantz — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:44:34 GMT

I was able to buy laying hens at a local auction. I know this is risky due to diseases but have had great results. I found the auction by contacting a local 4H leader. You might just do a refined internet search for livestock + auctions. I know here in southern Michigan the auction is almost every Saturday.

RE: Buying Hens

BSMID — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:57:48 GMT

Thanks very much for the tips. I've already covered most of these bases will continue. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Take care.

RE: Buying Hens

Sue Weaver — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:50:20 GMT

If you want a few hens old enough to lay, I suggest you pin up wanted-to-buy notices on bulletin boards at feed stores and veterinary offices in your area. Or, go whole hog and pin them on grocery store bulletin boards as well. Another option: place an ad in your local pennysaver-type newspaper. Everybody reads bulletin boards and pennysavers!

If you want to raise just a few chicks, phone feed and farm stores in your area to ask when their "chick days" are and if you must pre-order or you can select from chicks at the store on chick day. Whichever, be sure to buy sexed chicks lest you end up with a half dozen wee roosters.

I hope this helps!

Sue Weaver

RE: Buying Hens

BSMID — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:38:20 GMT

Unfortunately, I don't have an answer for you but am looking for the same exact thing. I am looking for 3 - RIR laying hens for our own egg harvest uses as well. I live in the Boise, Idaho area. Perhaps someone can point both of us the right direction. I've exhausted my resources in our area.

Buying Hens

RottnDawg — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 12:51:28 GMT

Hopefully some-one can help answer question. Im looking for where to buy hens for eggs. I'm wanting 3-6 hens just to harvest my own eggs