We’re more than halfway through February, and that means, “Chick Days” at your local Tractor Supply (or other local feed store) is here!
Chick Days, of course, marks the time of year when Tractor Supply starts shipping in a regular supply of chicks and ducklings. Other stores, such as Rural King or other local farm supply stores should also start shipping in chicks around this time, typically towards late February or early March.
Tractor Supply’s Chick Days began on 2/19 this year (2024). Keep in mind that the start of Chick Days could differ depending on location and individual stores and supply.
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to plan and prepare for adding to your flock, or creating a flock if it’s you first time.
Why might you want to buy your chicks at a local farm supply store?
Advantages:
- Visual Inspection – At the store you’ll be able to visibly inspect the chicks they have available and make sure you’re getting chicks that are healthy and without any injuries or noticeable illnesses.
- Chick Supplies – There are sever items necessary for raising chicks and by getting your chicks in-store, you can also pick up any other supplies you need at the same time, such as feed, bedding, heat lamps, water founts, etc.
- Smaller Quantities – Most of the time you can pick up just a couple chicks at a time. They stores will still have minimum requirements such as 4-6 chicks (depends on individual location), but this is less than what online hatcheries usually require. Many online hatcheries require a larger amount of chicks to be ordered, otherwise you need to pay a hefty shipping charge.
- Cost – Chicks bought at farm supply stores are often priced fairly low and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to buy them on sale.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Breed Selection – Since the stores have limited space, they typically can’t carry a very large variety of breeds. More often than not, you’ll see some of the more common popular breeds such as Rhode Island Red, Cinnamon Queen, Orpingtons and then a mixture of Brahmas or Bantams.
- Possibility of a Rooster – While not the fault of the farm store where you’re buying the chicks, there is a possibility that there may be some
