Week-old Lavendar Bantam Cochin chick    -photo R. Caldwell

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The most common way for folks to get their chicks in the Spring is from their local feed store. Another common method is to shop for chicks at a nearby rural chicken farm. Both of these sources likely got their chicks in the same way: the United States Postal Service!

Many hatcheries throughout the country sell day-old chicks through mail delivery. This method assures that the chicks will survive shipping despite a lack of food and water. Any remaining yolk is absorbed into a chick's abdomen prior to hatch, giving sustenance for up to 3 days post-hatch. Priority Mail shipping gets the chicks to the buyer in 3 days or less.

Local chicken-keepers can order their own birds from these hatcheries, too, with a few caveats. As owner of a small flock, Lawrence residents aren't allowed more than 20 birds on a large lot, so the 25 bird minimum required by most hatcheries is an issue. It's best to plan on selling the extras or split the order with another family or two. Often there is a surcharge for ordering the birds sexed to avoid roosters, which are generally frowned upon in urban and suburban settings. A wonderful upside is the ability to order whatever breeds you like of those many offered by each hatchery in any combination. A colorful, whimsical yard full of diversity is the dream of many chicken-kissers.

One last consideration is that the birds from hatcheries are not show quality, and sometimes only bear similar characteristics with the breeds they are labeled to be, without following the breed standard. For breeder quality birds that are showable, it's best to contact the club or association for that breed, and connect with a nearby breeder. Many breeders will ship, just like the hatcheries. If the tail angle of your bird or incomplete patterns on the feathers don't bother you, delivery to your Post Office is the way to go. Picking up a box of peeping fuzzies is a memorable and wonderful experience.