How to Buy Chickens

Whether being purchased as regular family pets or as livestock for eggs or meat, chickens require special feed and housing and buying the right kind of chickens is important. If you've never owned chickens before it can be difficult to know what to look for when purchasing them.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn about chickens. There are many different varieties of chickens available to own. Like many farm animals, each variety is bred for a special purpose. Some remain small but lay many eggs. Others don't lay as many eggs but grow faster, weigh more and are better used as a source of meat than as egg producers.

    • 2

      Find a reputable breeder. This is as important when buying chickens as it is when buying larger animals. Talk to local chicken owners and ask them where to find a breeder with a good reputation and healthy livestock. Visit several breeders before making your final purchase. When you visit their facilities, take note of whether they are sanitary, roomy and well lit and if their stock appears healthy and active.

    • 3

      Prepare housing first. Prior to purchasing chickens, make sure you have adequate living quarters for your new livestock. An ideal coop has both an enclosed space for roosting and protection from predators, as well as an outdoor area for the chickens to graze and feed outside. It should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the number of chickens you are planning to buy once they are fully grown, secure enough to deter raccoons and other predators and also have easy access for regular cleaning. Stock it with plenty of hay or straw, feed and water.

    • 4

      Buy the right feed. There are many types of chicken feed designed to benefit the different varieties of chickens. Some are fortified with extra calcium and minerals to strengthen the shells of eggs while others have nutrients and protein to help chickens intended for butchering to increase size and body mass. Have your new coop stocked with plenty of the right kind of feed and fresh water.

    • 5

      Purchase several animals. Chickens are "community" animals that thrive better in large groups with others of their kind than on their own. Instead of buying one or two chickens, invest in a dozen animals to begin your stock. Starting out with a relatively small stock like this will allow you to become used to the daily process of caring for your new chickens and keep them well adjusted in a group as well.

    • 6

      Look for signs of good health. When selecting your chickens look for animals that are active, energetic and vocal. Chicks should have a full coat of down feathers and there should be no thinning patches or bald spots on their coats. Look for clear eyes, lots of movement and strong legs. Chicks will not be flying yet or even attempting to do so, but their wings should be well formed and proportionate to their body size.