How to Get a Baby Chick

Whether you live on a farm or in the suburbs, you may decide to get a chick and raise it from a cute little fluffball into an egg-producing backyard pet or show rooster. After making preparations for its care and shelter, it is time to find the baby chick for you. The average pet store may not carry poultry, but there are several other options for acquiring your feathered friend.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consult a specific poultry breed club to find breeders in your area. Poultryhelp.com, a service provided by the Rocking T Ranch, gives a comprehensive Web list of breed clubs and their contact information (see Resources below).

2. Take advantage of the breed-selecting tool at MyPetChicken.com, which you can use to find the type of poultry that is right for you (see Resources below). There are hundreds of breeds to choose from, depending on the temperament you prefer, the egg color you desire and your need for acquiring rare or exotic breeds.

3. Go on to view the list of farms and chicken hatcheries at MyPetChicken.com. While the site sells chicks, they also provide customers with a comprehensive list of other year-round chick sources. Then do your research, making sure the hatchery or farm you select is a reputable, customer-friendly business willing to answer your questions.

4. Attend a reputable livestock auction in your area. While some auctions no longer display poultry due to avian influenza (bird flu) concerns, many of them have standard breed chicks available for bidding.

5. Check classified newspaper ads or auction sites like Craigslist, especially during February, March and April (prime hatching time). You may get lucky and find just the baby chick you're looking for.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not buy a baby chick impulsively. As when raising any other animal, you must commit your time and energy to being an attentive owner.
• Your neighbors may not approve of your new pet chick due to concerns about noise or smell, especially if you live in a congested area. Be prepared to discuss your plans with them and answer questions candidly.
• There are breeders who do not care for their poultry properly, or who cannot guarantee their health. Do your research to avoid acquiring an unhealthy animal.
• Avoid zoning problems. Check with your city or county to find out whether there are restrictions against owning chickens, or specific regulations about waste disposal and coop size.

Resources

• Search your local Craigslist for baby chick auctions.
• Get hatchery and farm list at Mypetchicken.com.
• Determine which breed is for you at Mypetchicken.com.
• Get breed club contact information at Poultryhelp.com.