Where to Buy Chickens in 2025: Your Complete Guide to Starting Your Flock

Ever wondered where to get those clucking bundles of joy for your backyard? I’ve been raising chickens for years, and let me tell ya, finding the right place to buy your chickens can make all the difference between a thriving flock and a whole bunch of headaches!

Whether you’re looking for egg layers, meat birds, or just some feathered friends to keep you company, this guide will walk you through the best places to buy chickens in 2025.

Top 3 Places to Buy Chickens Online

After years of experience (and some mishaps along the way!) I’ve narrowed down the top places where you can purchase healthy quality chickens

1. Cackle Hatchery

Cackle Hatchery is a 4th-generation family-owned business that’s been operating since 1936. Based in the heart of Missouri, they offer an impressive selection of poultry.

What makes Cackle Hatchery stand out:

• Over 230 varieties of poultry (largest selection in the United States)
• Only requires a 3-chick minimum order
• Ships February through October 2025
• Specializes in purebred poultry
• U.S. Pullorum-clean certification
• Ships to all states including Alaska and Puerto Rico
• Offers free shipping on supplies and select poultry specials

Cackle Hatchery follows natural breeding cycles, avoiding artificial lights to keep hens laying year-round. This approach might mean limited availability for some breeds, but it ensures healthier, more robust chicks.

Some of their best sellers include Rainbow Assorted Females, Hatchery Choice Brown Egg Females, and Freedom Rangers™.

2. Murray McMurray Hatchery

Murray McMurray Hatchery has been a trusted name in the poultry business for over a century. This family-owned business prides itself on quality and customer service.

What makes Murray McMurray Hatchery special:

• Hand-packs each order of baby chicks
• Offers free shipping on all full orders of baby poultry
• 48-hour live delivery guarantee
• Wide selection of day-old baby chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, and more
• Provides everything from starter kits to coops through their “One Stop Coop Shop™”
• Offers hatching eggs for those who want to incubate their own
• Provides numerous resources for chicken keepers

They also offer a free catalog for 2025, which is described as “a keepsake for generations” and will be delivered during the holiday season.

3. Tractor Supply Co.

If you prefer to buy your chickens in person rather than having them shipped, Tractor Supply Co. is a fantastic option with stores across the country.

What Tractor Supply offers:

• Physical locations where you can see chicks before purchasing
• Seasonal availability (typically spring through summer)
• Complete range of supplies including feed, waterers, feeders, and medications
• Staff who can answer your questions in person
• No shipping stress for the birds
• Can often purchase small quantities without minimum order requirements

Tractor Supply also carries a wide variety of poultry supplies and equipment, making it a convenient one-stop shop for all your chicken keeping needs.

When to Buy Chickens

The timing of your chicken purchase is super important! Most hatcheries follow natural breeding cycles, which means availability varies throughout the year.

Here’s a quick breakdown of typical shipping months by poultry type (based on Cackle Hatchery’s schedule):

It’s best to reserve your chicks early, especially if you’re interested in popular or rare breeds. Both Cackle Hatchery and Murray McMurray Hatchery are currently taking orders for 2025!

Types of Chickens to Consider

When purchasing chickens, you’ll want to think about your main purpose for keeping them. Different sources offer specialized birds:

For Egg Production

• Brown Egg Layers – Both Cackle and McMurray offer excellent brown egg layers
• White Egg Layers – Traditional layers like Leghorns
• Dark Brown Egg Layers – For those beautiful chocolate-colored eggs
• Colored Egg Layers – For those Instagram-worthy egg baskets with blue and green eggs

For Meat Production

• Meat/Broiler Chickens – Fast-growing birds specifically for meat
• Freedom Rangers™ – A popular choice at Cackle Hatchery
• Heritage Breeds – Slower growing but often more flavorful

Dual-Purpose Breeds

These provide both eggs and meat, making them perfect for self-sufficiency.

Rare and Bantam Breeds

If you’re into showing or just want something unique, both hatcheries offer rare breeds and bantams (miniature chickens).

What to Consider When Buying Chickens

Before hitting that “order” button, here are some things to think about:

1. Minimum Order Requirements – Cackle Hatchery requires just 3 chicks minimum, which is great for small backyard flocks.

2. Shipping Conditions – Baby chicks can be shipped safely, but consider your local weather conditions. Most hatcheries won’t ship during extreme temperatures.

3. Your Experience Level – Some breeds are more beginner-friendly than others. If you’re new to chicken keeping, consider starting with docile, hardy breeds.

4. Space Available – Make sure you have adequate space for the number and type of chickens you’re ordering. Different breeds have different space requirements.

5. Local Regulations – Check your local laws regarding backyard chickens. Some areas have restrictions on flock size or prohibit roosters.

6. Support and Resources – Both Cackle Hatchery and Murray McMurray offer extensive resources for chicken keepers, including care instructions and blogs.

Beyond Chickens: Other Poultry Options

While chickens are the most popular backyard poultry, both hatcheries offer other interesting options:

• Ducks – Great for eggs and pest control
• Geese – Excellent “watchdogs” and lawn mowers
• Turkeys – For holiday meals or just as interesting pets
• Guinea Fowl – Outstanding for tick control and security alarms (they’re LOUD)
• Quail – Perfect for small spaces
• Pheasants – Beautiful ornamental birds
• Peafowl – For the more adventurous poultry keeper

Getting Ready for Your Chicks

Don’t wait until your chicks arrive to prepare! Here’s what you’ll need:

• A brooder (warm, draft-free enclosure)
• Heat source (brooder lamp or heating plate)
• Chick starter feed
• Small waterer and feeder
• Bedding material

Both Cackle Hatchery and Murray McMurray Hatchery offer starter kits and supplies. Tractor Supply is also a great place to pick up everything you need in person.

My Personal Experience

I’ve ordered from both Cackle and McMurray over the years, and I gotta say, there’s nothing like the excitement of “chick day” when the post office calls to say your cheeping package has arrived!

Last year, I ordered some Blue Egger females from Cackle and was thrilled with both the quality of the birds and their customer service when I had questions. My neighbor swears by Murray McMurray and has been ordering their Red Star layers for years with great success.

For beginners, I often recommend starting with a trip to Tractor Supply during chick season. Being able to see the chicks in person and talk to staff about care requirements can be really valuable when you’re just starting out.

Whether you choose to order online from established hatcheries like Cackle Hatchery and Murray McMurray, or pick up chicks locally at Tractor Supply, starting a chicken flock is an exciting and rewarding experience.

The key is to do your research, prepare properly, and choose the right source for your specific needs. With the right planning, you’ll soon be enjoying fresh eggs, entertaining antics, and all the joys that come with chicken keeping!

Ready to start your chicken journey? Check out the websites for Cackle Hatchery, Murray McMurray Hatchery, or find your local Tractor Supply store today!

Happy chicken keeping!