TABLE OF CONTENTS * Planning Your Chick Order: A Beginner’s Guide to Your Backyard Flock * Why Keep Backyard Chickens? * Things to Consider Before You Order * Planning Your Chick Order * Getting Ready for Your Chicks * Caring for Chicks After They Arrive * Chick Order FAQs * Your Chicken-Raising Adventure Awaits! PLANNING YOUR CHICK ORDER: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO YOUR BACKYARD FLOCK Raising backyard chickens is a fun adventure with fresh eggs, funny personalities and a sustainable food source. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, planning your chick order is the first step to a happy healthy flock. This will cover everything you need to know from breeds to ordering to arrival day to caring for your new feathered friends. Ready to start your chicken journey? Let’s get started! WHY KEEP BACKYARD CHICKENS? Backyard chickens offer utility and fun. Here are just a few reasons to get started: * Fresh, Healthy Eggs: Get nutrient rich eggs with big yolks, straight from the girls. * Sustainability: Reduce food waste as chickens will happily eat kitchen scraps. * Companions: Chickens have personalities, entertainment and companionship. * Garden Helpers: They fertilize and pest proof your garden. With all that in mind, raising chickens can be as cool as it is fun. THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU ORDER [Planning Your Chick Order] Before you order your chicks, there are a few things to consider. Proper planning will make the experience enjoyable and set your flock up for success. 1. CHECK LOCAL ORDINANCES Research your area’s poultry laws and regulations. Some areas limit the number of birds you can have or have rules against roosters due to noise. Check the zoning laws before you order. 2. MEASURE YOUR SPACE The amount of space you have will determine the size of your flock. Each chicken needs about 4 square feet in the coop and 8 to 10 square feet in the run. These are rough guidelines. Chickens share nesting boxes and will roost right next to each other especially in cold weather. With that said don't go overboard on a monster coop for a small number of chickens. 3. PICK THE RIGHT BREEDS Are you raising chickens for eggs, meat or companionship? Different breeds are suited for different goals. For example: * Great Layers (high egg production): Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns( White & Brown ) and Sussex. * Dual-Purpose (eggs & meat): Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks (Barred & White) and Wyandottes. * Pet-Friendly & Docile: Silkies and Cochins—perfect if you have kids. EXPLORE BREED SELECTOR TOOL TO FIND THE PERFECT MATCH FOR YOUR NEEDS. Choose the Right Breeds Consider climate as well; cold hardy or heat tolerant breeds may be necessary depending on where you live. PLANNING YOUR CHICK ORDER Now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s time to order your chicks. Plan ahead to avoid surprises. [Planning Your Chick Order] 1. PICK A REPUTABLE HATCHERY Look for hatcheries with good reviews, many breeds and clear shipping policies. Due to popular demand in 2025 we will be selling live chicks from a hatchery partner and we'd love to be on the journey with you. 2. SEXED OR STRAIGHT-RUN CHICKS * Sexed Chicks are sorted by gender, you’ll get pullets (females) or cockerels (males) depending on your choice. Note that sorting is about 90% accurate. * Straight-Run Chicks are unsexed and come as they are hatched, usually a mix of pullets and cockerels. If you don’t want roosters or they’re not allowed, sexed chicks may be the way to go. 3. SHIPPING TIMING Season and weather affect the survival of shipped chicks. Many hatcheries recommend spring shipments—warmer weather means the birds are more comfortable during transit. 4. PREPARE FOR LOSSES Shipping live animals is risky. Fortunately most hatcheries offer live delivery guarantees and will replace or refund lost chicks. Be prepared emotionally and practically for this. Many times the hatchery will include an extra chick or two in case one or two don't make it. This all depends on the breed and size of your order as well as availability. GETTING READY FOR YOUR CHICKS Now the fun part—getting ready for your new little fluffballs! A little planning will go a long way in making their transition to your care smooth. 1. SET UP THE BROODER The brooder is the chicks’ first home. Here’s what you’ll need: * Enclosure: A large box or small pen with 2 square feet of space per chick. * Heat Source: A heat lamp or brooder plate to maintain 95°F for the first week, then reduce by 5°F each week. * Bedding: Pine shavings or paper towels for comfort and cleanliness. * Food & Water: A chick feeder and waterer with starter feed and room temperature water. Looking for the perfect coop to transition your chicks when they grow? Explore best-selling chicken coops designed for safety and comfort. They're perfect for providing your flock with a cozy and secure home. 2. SAFE ENVIRONMENT Get rid of drafts and make sure the area is pet and predator proof. Check that your brooder lights are secure and not a fire hazard. CARING FOR CHICKS AFTER THEY ARRIVE You did it! Your chicks are home! The first few days are crucial so follow these steps to get them growing and happy. * Introduce to Water: Dip each chick’s beak in water as you put them in the brooder so they know where to find it. * Monitor Temperature: Watch for signs of stress. If chicks huddle under the heat lamp they’re cold, if they scatter to the edges it’s too hot. * Check for Health Issues: Watch for pasty butt—a condition where poop blocks the vent—and gently clean any affected chicks. After 6-8 weeks your healthy chicks will be pullets and can start going outside! CHICK ORDER FAQS 1. WHEN SHOULD I ORDER CHICKS? Spring is the best time to order chicks as warmer weather means less shipping risk. 2. DO I NEED A ROOSTER FOR EGGS? No, hens will lay eggs without a rooster. Roosters are only needed if you want to hatch fertile eggs. 3. HOW MANY CHICKS SHOULD I ORDER FOR A SMALL BACKYARD FLOCK? 6-10 hens is a good size for a small backyard flock and will provide plenty of eggs for your household. 4. WHEN WILL MY CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS? Most hens will start laying between 18-22 weeks of age depending on the breed. 5. CAN CHICKENS AND PETS GET ALONG? Yes, but make sure your pets won’t harm the chickens. Supervised introductions and fenced runs are key. YOUR CHICKEN-RAISING ADVENTURE AWAITS! Planning your chick order is an exciting step toward raising a flock of happy, clucking companions. By considering important factors, preparing for their arrival, and caring for them properly, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying fresh eggs and the charm of backyard chickens. GET STARTED! Have tips or experiences you'd like to share? For more advice and expert recommendations, visit blog regularly.
