Where Can I Buy a Live Chicken? Complete Guide to Finding Your Perfect Feathered Friend

Are you dreaming of fresh eggs for breakfast every morning? Or maybe you’re looking for some quirky backyard companions? Whatever your reason, finding places to buy live chickens is easier than you might think! I’ve spent years raising my own flock, and I’m excited to share all the best places to find healthy, quality chickens for your homestead or backyard.

Top Places to Buy Live Chickens in 2025

Let’s be honest – not all chicken sources are created equal Here are the most reliable places where you can purchase live chickens today

1. Specialized Poultry Hatcheries

Hatcheries are the gold standard when it comes to buying chickens. They specialize in breeding and hatching healthy birds and offer the widest variety of breeds.

Murray McMurray Hatchery has been a trusted family-owned business for over a century They offer

• Day-old baby chicks with a 48-hour live delivery guarantee
• Rare and Heritage breeds with hand-packed orders
• Low minimum order requirements
• Free shipping on full orders of baby poultry (small order fee applies to smaller orders)

Cackle Hatchery is another excellent option that’s currently taking orders for 2025. They have:

• Highly-rated chicken breeds like Buff Orpingtons and White Silkie Bantams
• Options starting as low as $2.99 per chick
• A wide selection beyond chickens, including ducks, geese, turkeys, and gamebirds
• National Poultry Improvement Plan participation (#43-105)

2. Farm Supply Stores

Tractor Supply Co. runs seasonal “Chick Days” events where you can purchase live birds in person They offer

• Various chicken breeds for both egg laying and meat production
• Baby ducks, turkeys, and guineas
• Options to order online (minimum 10 chicks) or pick up in-store
• Complete chicken care supplies like coops, feed, and accessories
• Helpful guidance from knowledgeable staff

3. Local Farms and Homesteaders

Don’t overlook your local farming community! Many small farms sell excess chickens, especially during spring and summer months. This can be a great way to get more mature birds rather than just chicks.

What Type of Chicken Should I Buy?

Before you rush off to buy your chickens, let’s talk about which type might be best for you:

For Egg Production

If eggs are your priority, look for proven laying breeds:

• Rhode Island Reds (brown eggs, hardy in various conditions)
• Golden Comets (prolific layers, great for beginners)
• White Leghorns (white eggs, extremely productive)
• Easter Eggers (blue/green eggs, friendly temperament)

For Meat Production

If you’re raising chickens for meat:

• Broiler/meat birds from hatcheries like McMurray or Cackle
• Jumbo Cornish Cross (fast-growing, ready in 6-8 weeks)
• Freedom Rangers (good for free-range conditions)

For Pets and Show

If companionship is your main goal:

• Silkies (fluffy, friendly, and great with kids)
• Bantams (smaller size, perfect for limited space)
• Orpingtons (docile, good layers, and beautiful appearance)

What You’ll Need Before Bringing Chickens Home

I learned this the hard way – never buy chickens before you’re prepared! Here’s what you need:

For Baby Chicks

• Brooder with heat lamp or heating plate
• Chick starter feed (non-medicated or medicated)
• Small waterers and feeders
• Bedding material (pine shavings work great)
• Thermometer to monitor brooder temperature

For Mature Chickens

• Secure coop with adequate space (4 sq ft per bird minimum)
• Roosting bars and nesting boxes
• Chicken run or fencing for protection
• Layer feed and grit
• Full-size feeders and waterers

The Buying Process: What to Expect

From Hatcheries

1. Place your order online or by phone
2. Select your delivery date (plan ahead, popular dates fill quickly!)
3. Prepare your brooder before chicks arrive
4. Be home on delivery day – baby chicks need immediate care

When ordering from Murray McMurray Hatchery, they’ll hand-select each chick for your order and ship them in reinforced boxes designed for safe travel. Cackle Hatchery similarly provides carefully selected birds with guarantees on their health and quality.

From Tractor Supply

1. Check their Chick Days schedule (typically spring through early summer)
2. Visit the store to select your birds in person
3. Purchase necessary supplies while there
4. Transport chicks home in a secure, warm container

Costs to Consider

Buying chickens isn’t just about the initial purchase price. Here’s what you might spend:

The most economical approach is usually to buy day-old chicks from hatcheries, but this requires more initial care and a longer wait for eggs.

Important Considerations Before Buying

Legal Restrictions

Many cities and neighborhoods have ordinances about keeping chickens. Be sure to:

• Check local zoning laws
• Verify HOA restrictions if applicable
• Know limits on flock size and rooster restrictions

Time Commitment

Chickens need daily care! They require:

• Morning and evening feeding/checking
• Regular coop cleaning
• Health monitoring
• Protection from predators

Space Requirements

Different breeds have different space needs, but generally:

• 4 square feet per bird inside the coop
• 10 square feet per bird in an outdoor run
• More space = happier, healthier chickens

My Personal Experience

I started with just 4 Rhode Island Reds from Tractor Supply during their spring Chick Days event. The staff was super helpful in getting me set up with everything I needed. Since then, I’ve ordered from both McMurray and Cackle Hatcheries for specific breeds that weren’t available locally.

One thing I wish someone told me – chickens are ADDICTIVE! You’ll start with a few and before you know it, you’ll be browsing hatchery websites at midnight, drooling over rare breeds and calculating how many more you can squeeze into your coop!

Health Considerations When Buying

Regardless of where you buy your chickens, health should be a top priority:

• At stores or farms: Look for active, alert birds with clean feathers and clear eyes
• From hatcheries: Order from reputable sources with health guarantees
• All sources: Quarantine new birds before introducing them to existing flocks

Both Murray McMurray Hatchery and Cackle Hatchery participate in national poultry health programs, which helps ensure you’re getting disease-free birds.

Whether you’re looking for egg layers, meat birds, or feathered friends, there’s a perfect source for your live chickens:

• For beginners: Tractor Supply during Chick Days offers in-person selection and staff guidance
• For specific breeds: Hatcheries like Murray McMurray or Cackle offer the widest selection
• For immediate production: Local farms may offer started pullets or mature laying hens
• For small orders: McMurray Hatchery offers low minimums and Tractor Supply allows purchases as small as 10 chicks

Starting your chicken journey is exciting, and finding the perfect birds is just the beginning of your adventure in backyard poultry keeping!

Remember that these fuzzy little chicks will grow into egg-laying, personality-filled members of your family. I still remember the first egg my hens laid – I was so excited I called my mom at 6 AM to tell her about it! (She wasn’t quite as thrilled about the early morning call, LOL!)

So, where will you buy your chickens? Have you had experiences with any of these sources? I’d love to hear about your chicken-buying adventures in the comments below!

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This article was last updated in September 2025 to reflect current availability and pricing at major hatcheries and suppliers.

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