Are you looking to start your own backyard flock but don’t know where to buy live chickens? You’re not alone! As someone who’s been raising chickens for years, I can tell you that finding quality live poultry has never been easier. Whether you’re looking for egg layers, meat birds, or just some fluffy companions, this guide will help you find the perfect place to purchase your new feathered friends.
Top 3 Places to Buy Live Chickens in 2025
Let’s cut to the chase – here are the best places to buy live chickens this year:
- Tractor Supply Co. – For in-person shopping and seasonal chick days
- My Pet Chicken – For online ordering with great variety and selection
- Murray McMurray Hatchery – For heritage breeds and specialty poultry
Now let’s dive into the details of each option!
Tractor Supply Co. – Your Local Poultry Source
If you prefer to see your chickens before buying them, Tractor Supply is probably your best bet. They host seasonal “Chick Days” where you can purchase days-old baby chicks in-store.
What Tractor Supply Offers:
- Variety of Breeds: Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, Copper Marans, Wyandottes, and Bantam chickens
- Colored Egg Layers: Easter Eggers that produce blue and green eggs
- Other Poultry: Baby ducks, turkeys, and guineas
- Minimum Order: Can purchase as few as 10 chicks
- Complete Supplies: Everything from coops to feed, waterers, and brooders
The best part about Tractor Supply is you can literally walk in and walk out with your new baby chicks, plus all the supplies you need to get started They also have knowledgable staff who can help first-time chicken keepers
Current Deals at Tractor Supply:
- Save $2 on Nutrena NatureWise Poultry Feed
- Save $4 on Nature’s Best Organic Poultry Feed
- Save $1 on Oyster Shell Poultry Treats
- Up to $5 off “Spring Chicken” supplies
To find a Tractor Supply location near you, just visit their website and use their store locator. Most stores receive chick shipments during spring, but some larger locations might have availability year-round.
My Pet Chicken – Online Convenience with Expert Support
If you can’t find what you’re looking for locally or prefer the convenience of home delivery, My Pet Chicken is an excellent option. They specialize in rare and beginner-friendly chicken breeds.
What My Pet Chicken Offers:
- Live Birds Selection: 205+ products available online
- Variety: Baby chicks, hatching eggs, ducks, geese, and pullets (young hens)
- Guarantee: 100% alive and healthy guarantee
- Special Promotion: Buy any pullet & get $25 off an Ultra Rare Surprise pullet (sale ends 09/07/2025)
- Breed Finder Quiz: Helps you determine which chicken breed is best for your situation
My Pet Chicken ships nationwide, and their baby chicks arrive less than 72 hours old. They’re one of the few hatcheries that will ship small orders, making them perfect for backyard flocks and beginners.
One thing I love about My Pet Chicken is their detailed breed information and resources. They really help you understand what you’re getting into before you commit!
Murray McMurray Hatchery – A Century of Poultry Excellence
If you’re looking for rare breeds or heritage varieties, Murray McMurray Hatchery should be your go-to source. They’ve been in business for over 100 years and are known for their quality and selection.
What Murray McMurray Offers:
- Extensive Selection: Baby chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, quail, and other poultry
- Heritage Breeds: Hard-to-find and historical chicken varieties
- Free Shipping: On all full orders of baby poultry
- Juvenile Birds: Older birds available for those who don’t want to raise from chicks
- Hatching Eggs: For those who want to incubate their own
- Catalog: Free 2025 color catalog available (a keepsake for generations!)
The McMurray team hand-selects every chick for each order and uses custom-made, reinforced boxes to ensure safe arrival. They also offer a 48-hour live delivery guarantee.
One thing to note – McMurray tends to have higher minimum order requirements than some other hatcheries, but this actually helps ensure the chicks stay warm during shipping.
Local Options You Might Not Have Considered
Beyond these major retailers, don’t forget to check:
- Local farms – Many small farms sell excess chicks or pullets
- Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist – Local chicken keepers often sell extra birds
- Agricultural extension offices – Can connect you with local poultry clubs
- Feed stores – Smaller, local feed stores often sell chicks seasonally
- Farmers markets – Some vendors sell live poultry or can direct you to local sources
What You Need Before Buying Live Chickens
Before you rush out to buy chickens, make sure you’re prepared! Here’s a quick checklist:
- ✓ Check local regulations – Many cities have ordinances about keeping chickens
- ✓ Prepare a coop – Should be ready before chicks arrive
- ✓ Get supplies – Feeders, waterers, bedding, heat lamps for chicks
- ✓ Purchase feed – Starter feed for chicks, layer feed for older birds
- ✓ Research breeds – Different breeds have different temperaments and egg production
Choosing the Right Chicken Breeds
Not all chickens are created equal! Here’s a quick guide to common breeds:
| Breed | Egg Production | Temperament | Cold Hardy | Heat Tolerant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Red | High (brown eggs) | Friendly but can be assertive | Yes | Yes |
| Australorp | High (brown eggs) | Gentle, quiet | Yes | Moderate |
| Leghorn | Very high (white eggs) | Flighty, independent | Moderate | Yes |
| Orpington | Moderate (brown eggs) | Very friendly, docile | Yes | No |
| Easter Egger | Moderate (colored eggs) | Friendly, curious | Yes | Moderate |
FAQ: Common Questions About Buying Live Chickens
How old will chicks be when they arrive?
From My Pet Chicken and Murray McMurray, chicks will be less than 72 hours old. Tractor Supply chicks are typically the same age.
Can you mix different types of poultry?
You can raise different breeds of chickens together, but it’s generally not recommended to mix chickens with ducks, geese, or other poultry in the same enclosure due to different needs.
How many chickens should I start with?
For beginners, 3-6 chickens is usually manageable. Remember that chickens are social creatures and should be kept in groups of at least 3.
When will my chickens start laying eggs?
Most hens start laying around 5-6 months of age, though some breeds may take longer. Don’t expect eggs right away!
Is it better to buy chicks or adult chickens?
Chicks are cheaper and can be easier to tame, but require more care initially. Adult hens are more expensive but will lay eggs sooner and require less specialized care.
My Personal Experience
When I first started with chickens, I went to my local Tractor Supply during Chick Days and brought home 6 baby chicks. The staff was super helpful and made sure I had everything I needed. The brooder setup, the right feed, and even some tips for keeping them healthy.
For my second batch, I wanted some specific rare breeds, so I ordered from My Pet Chicken. The birds arrived healthy and are now some of my best layers!
One thing I wish I’d known – baby chicks grow FAST! Make sure your permanent coop is ready within 6-8 weeks of getting chicks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to buy from a national chain like Tractor Supply, order online from specialists like My Pet Chicken or Murray McMurray Hatchery, or find chickens locally, starting your own flock is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Just remember that these living creatures require daily care and commitment. Do your research, prepare properly, and you’ll be collecting fresh eggs before you know it!
Ready to start your chicken-keeping journey? Use the resources provided by these retailers to learn more about chicken care, or reach out to your local poultry community for advice specific to your area.
Happy chicken keeping!
