How to Buy Hens: Your Step-by-Step US Guide

Friendly, Encouraging

Friendly, Encouraging

So, you’re thinking about becoming a chicken parent! That’s fantastic! The Local Coop, your friendly neighborhood feed store, probably has chicks available, but understanding how to buy hens that will thrive in your backyard involves more than just picking out the cutest fluffballs. The American Poultry Association offers resources on selecting breeds suited to your climate and needs. Before you even head to the farm or hatchery, consider using a chicken breed selector tool online; the tool helps determine the ideal breeds based on egg production, temperament, and hardiness. Remember, purchasing from reputable breeders, like those who participate in National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), ensures you’re getting healthy birds ready to happily settle into their new home.

Ready to Become a Chicken Keeper? Let’s Get You Some Hens!

Buying your first hens is an exciting step toward fresh eggs and a delightful addition to your backyard. To make the process smooth and enjoyable, let’s break down exactly how to buy hens in the US, step-by-step. We want to make sure you’re well-prepared to bring home happy and healthy chickens.

1. Planning is Key: Before You Buy

Think of this stage as laying the groundwork. You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, right? Similarly, you need to plan before buying hens. Consider these crucial questions:

• Why do you want hens? (Eggs, pest control, pets?) The answer will influence breed selection.
• How many eggs do you need? A good laying hen lays about 5-7 eggs per week.
• How much space do you have? Chickens need room to roam and forage. The general rule of thumb is at least 4 square feet per hen inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per hen in an outdoor run.
• What are the local ordinances? Check with your city or county about any restrictions on keeping chickens. This prevents headaches later on.
• What’s your budget? Consider the initial cost of the hens, coop, feed, and ongoing supplies.

2. Choosing the Right Breed(s) for You

Breed selection is surprisingly fun! There are SO many amazing chicken breeds, each with unique characteristics. Think about what traits are most important to you:

• Egg Laying Ability: Some breeds are egg-laying powerhouses (Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds), while others are more moderate.
• Temperament: Some breeds are docile and friendly (Orpingtons, Silkies), making them great pets. Others are more independent.
• Climate Hardiness: Consider breeds that thrive in your specific climate. Some are better suited for cold winters (Australorps, Wyandottes), while others tolerate heat better (White Faced Black Spanish).
• Appearance: Let’s face it, some breeds are just gorgeous! Consider your aesthetic preferences.

Here’s a small example of different breeds to get you started:

Breed	Egg Production (per year)	Temperament	Climate Hardiness	Egg Color
Rhode Island Red	250-300	Docile	Cold Hardy	Brown
Leghorn	280-320	Active, Alert	Heat Tolerant	White
Orpington	180-200	Very Docile	Cold Hardy	Brown
Easter Egger	150-220	Docile	Adaptable	Blue/Green

3. Where to Buy Your Hens

You have several options for acquiring your hens. Each has its pros and cons:

• Hatcheries: Large-scale operations that ship chicks nationwide. Offers a wide variety of breeds, but chicks can be fragile during shipping. Research reputable hatcheries with good customer reviews.
• Local Breeders: Often have higher-quality birds and can offer more personalized advice. Search online for local breeders in your area or ask your local feed store for recommendations.
• Farm Supply Stores: Some stores sell chicks in the spring. This can be a convenient option, but breed selection might be limited.
• Animal Shelters/Rescues: Consider adopting hens! This is a rewarding option for giving neglected chickens a new home. Check Petfinder or local animal shelters.

4. Age Matters: Chicks vs. Pullets vs. Mature Hens

• Chicks (0-6 weeks): Adorable but require more care, including supplemental heat. Sexing (determining if they are male or female) is often not guaranteed.
• Pullets (6-20 weeks): Young hens that haven’t started laying yet. They’re more resilient than chicks but still require some monitoring. You can often get a guaranteed female at this stage.
• Mature Hens (Over 20 weeks): Ready to lay eggs immediately. A great option if you want eggs right away, but they may take longer to adjust to a new environment.

5. Health is Wealth: Assessing the Hens

Before you hand over your money, carefully examine the hens (or chicks):

• Appearance: Look for bright, alert eyes, clean feathers, and a healthy comb and wattles (the fleshy parts hanging from the beak and neck).
• Behavior: Observe their behavior. Are they active and engaged? Avoid lethargic or withdrawn birds.
• Droppings: Check for healthy droppings in the coop or pen. Watery or discolored droppings can indicate illness.
• Breathing: Listen for clear breathing. Avoid birds that are coughing, sneezing, or have labored breathing.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the hen’s history, vaccinations, and any known health issues.

6. Preparing for Arrival: The Coop and Run

Before your hens arrive, make sure their new home is ready!

• Coop: Should be secure, weatherproof, and provide adequate space. Include roosting bars, nesting boxes (one box per 3-4 hens), and ventilation.
• Run: Should be predator-proof (fence buried at least 12 inches deep) and provide access to fresh air and sunlight.
• Food and Water: Have food and water readily available upon arrival. Use chick starter feed for chicks and layer feed for laying hens.
• Bedding: Cover the coop floor with bedding material such as pine shavings, straw, or shredded paper.

7. Bringing Them Home: Acclimation and Integration

Moving to a new environment can be stressful for hens. Take these steps to ease the transition:

• Quarantine: Keep new hens separate from your existing flock for at least 30 days to monitor for any signs of illness.
• Gradual Introduction: Once the quarantine period is over, gradually introduce the new hens to your existing flock. Start by allowing them to see each other through a fence.
• Supervise Interactions: When you do introduce them, supervise the interactions closely. Expect some initial pecking and squabbling, but intervene if the situation becomes too aggressive.
• Provide Plenty of Space: Ample space can help minimize conflict during the integration process.

So, that’s the cluck-by-cluck guide on how to buy hens! Hopefully, you’re feeling more confident and ready to bring some feathered friends to your backyard. Just remember to do your research, prepare your coop, and choose the right breed for your needs. Happy chickening!