Are you considering starting a backyard flock of chickens? You‘re not alone. Raising chickens has become increasingly popular, with the number of households keeping chickens rising 23% from 2016 to 2021 according to the American Pet Products Association. Whether you‘re dreaming of fresh eggs, tender home-raised meat birds, or just want some feathered friends, purchasing chicks is the first step. Many new chicken keepers turn to their local Tractor Supply store for their first birds. But what exactly does Tractor Supply offer when it comes to live poultry? Here‘s everything you need to know.
Tractor Supply‘s Chick Days Event
Every spring, Tractor Supply holds its annual "Chick Days" event at stores nationwide. The 8-10 week event, which typically begins in late February, brings an assortment of live baby chicks and ducklings to Tractor Supply stores. In 2023, Chick Days ran from February 24 to April 25, with new chick shipments arriving weekly at most locations.
During Chick Days, stores feature special promotions like "Buy 6 Get 2 Free" chick offers, discounts on starter kits and equipment, and in-store educational events. Many locations host "Poultry 101" workshops where experts share advice on brooding, feeding, housing, and caring for chicks.
Chick Days By the Numbers
- 8-10 week event held Feb-April each year
- Over 1,700 Tractor Supply locations participate
- 4 million+ chicks sold during Chick Days 2022
- 50+ chicken breeds offered (selection varies by store)
- Minimum 6 chicks per in-store purchase
Chicken Breeds Available at Tractor Supply
One of the biggest questions aspiring chicken keepers ask is "what kind of chickens does Tractor Supply sell?" The exact selection varies by store and timing, but most locations receive a variety of standard laying breeds, meat birds, and dual-purpose breeds sourced from major hatcheries. Here‘s a look at some of the most popular options:
| Breed | Type | Eggs/Year | Mature Weight | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Red | Laying | 200-300 | 6.5 lbs | Hardy, good brown egg layer |
| Leghorn | Laying | 250-300 | 4-5 lbs | Prolific white egg layer |
| Ameraucana/Easter Egger | Laying | 200-250 | 4-5 lbs | Blue, green, olive eggs |
| Cornish Cross | Meat | n/a | 4-6 lbs at 6-8 wks | Fast growth, efficient feed conversion |
| Plymouth Rock | Dual Purpose | 200 | 7.5 lbs | Docile, cold-hardy, brown eggs |
| Buff Orpington | Dual Purpose | 150-200 | 8 lbs | Friendly, good layer, cold tolerant |
In addition to these standard breeds, Tractor Supply often features some specialty breeds like Polish, Welsummers, or Olive Eggers. However, these are more likely to be available by online order than in stores.
Online Ordering Options
While most people think of picking up chicks at their local store, Tractor Supply also offers online ordering and shipping of live poultry. Placing an online order allows for more breed options and the ability to purchase sexed female chicks. However, there is a 10 chick minimum for online orders, and chicks are only shipped Mondays-Wednesdays to minimize transit time.
Online Ordering Tips
- Place orders in Jan-Feb for spring delivery
- 10 chick minimum per order
- Shipping available Mon-Wed each week
- Select your desired ship week at checkout
- Adult signature required for delivery
- Have brooder set up and ready before chicks arrive
Preparing for Chicks
Speaking of brooders, let‘s talk about how to prepare for your new arrivals. Whether you buy chicks at the store or order online, you‘ll need a warm, draft-free space for your chicks to grow. Some must-have supplies include:
- Brooder box or tub
- Heat lamp with 250W red bulb
- Chick feeder and waterer
- Chick starter feed (medicated or unmedicated)
- Thermometer
- Pine shavings or other safe bedding
- Chick grit
Tractor Supply conveniently carries all these essentials and more. Consider purchasing a complete brooder kit, which includes a plastic tub, heat lamp, feeder, waterer, and thermometer. Don‘t forget to grab a bag of chick starter feed formulated for babies‘ unique nutritional needs.
Health Considerations
When bringing home new chicks, it‘s crucial to monitor them closely for any signs of illness. Some common chick health issues to watch for include:
- Pasting up (feces stuck to bottom)
- Lethargy or inactivity
- Labored breathing
- Lack of appetite/not eating or drinking
Unfortunately, even with excellent care, some chick mortality is normal. Experts estimate 3-5% of chicks may die in the first two weeks. However, prompt treatment can help prevent losses. If you suspect your chick is ill, contact a veterinarian familiar with poultry for advice.
It‘s also critical to practice good biosecurity to prevent introducing diseases to your flock. Always sanitize hands and equipment, don‘t share tools with other chicken keepers, and quarantine any new birds before adding them to your flock.
Other Considerations
In addition to preparing your brooder and maintaining good chick health, there are some other important factors to consider before bringing home your first chicks.
Zoning Laws and Ordinances
Before investing in live poultry, be sure to research your local laws and ordinances regarding backyard chickens. Some cities, neighborhoods, or homeowners‘ associations may prohibit or limit the keeping of chickens. Regulations often include:
- Limits on number of birds allowed
- Ban on roosters
- Coop/run size and placement restrictions
- Permit or registration requirements
- Setbacks from property lines or structures
Failing to comply with local laws can result in fines or even requiring you to rehome your flock, so do your due diligence beforehand.
Long-term Costs
While the initial cost of chicks is quite affordable, there are ongoing expenses to factor into your budget. Some of the key long-term costs of keeping chickens include:
- Feed (chick starter, grower, layer formulas)
- Coop or housing
- Bedding material
- Water and feed dispensers
- Veterinary care
- Egg cartons or packaging
According to a survey by the University of California-Davis, the average backyard chicken keeper spends about $500-700 per year on flock care and maintenance. Keep these costs in mind as you plan your chicken keeping adventure.
Why Choose Tractor Supply for Chicks?
Now that you know the ins and outs of purchasing chicks at Tractor Supply, you may be wondering how they stack up to other options like buying directly from a hatchery or local breeder. Here are a few key advantages of choosing Tractor Supply:
Convenience
With over 1,700 locations nationwide, there‘s likely a Tractor Supply within easy driving distance. Being able to pick out and take home chicks the same day is a major perk for many first-time chicken keepers.
Extensive Selection
Between their in-store Chick Days event and online ordering options, Tractor Supply offers an impressive variety of chicken breeds from major hatcheries like Cackle Hatchery and Hoover‘s Hatchery.
Chick Health
Tractor Supply requires all chicks sold to be vaccinated for Marek‘s Disease, a highly contagious viral disease that can cause tumors and nerve damage in chickens. This helps ensure a healthy start for your flock.
Staff Expertise
Tractor Supply team members undergo extensive training on poultry care and can offer expert guidance for raising your chicks. Many stores even have a dedicated "Poultry Pro" on hand to answer questions.
Quality Supplies
From brooders to coops, feeders to waterers, Tractor Supply carries a wide selection of high-quality poultry supplies to help you care for your flock at every stage.
Conclusion
As you can see, Tractor Supply offers a convenient, affordable way to start or expand your backyard flock. By providing healthy chicks, expert advice, and all the supplies you need, they make it easy to experience the joys of raising your own chickens. Whether you‘re a first-time chicken keeper or seasoned pro, Tractor Supply has you covered. Just remember to do your research, prepare your space, and provide your new feathered friends with a warm, clean, safe environment to thrive.
Happy chicken keeping!
