Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we get most often about our chicks, eggs, pickup, and farm practices.
Buying Chicks
Common questions about buying chicks from us.
Are these pullets? Do you sex your chicks?
These chicks are sold as straight run, so you should expect about a 50/50 mix of hens and roosters. For most breeds, it is very difficult to tell sex at this young age, and attempts to do so can risk injury. Even chicks sold as pullets by farm stores sometimes turn out to be roosters. With our chicks, there are no games or sorting tricks — just honest straight run chicks. Some batches may lean a little more one way or the other, but overall it averages out close to 50/50.
What does straight run mean?
Straight run means the chicks have not been sorted by sex. You can expect a natural mix of males and females.
Can you guarantee hens?
Not for straight run chicks. Unless a breed is sex-link or otherwise very easy to identify accurately at hatch, we do not guarantee sex.
Breeds & Egg Colors
Questions about breeds, mixes, and egg color expectations.
What kinds of chickens do you hatch?
We hatch a variety of breeds and mixes depending on the season and what our breeding groups are producing. Check our Available Chicks page for current offerings.
Can you guarantee egg color?
We can usually give you a good expectation based on the breed or cross, but with mixed birds there can be variation. Egg color is one of the fun surprises of a mixed flock.
Do mixed chicks still make good layers?
Yes. Many mixed birds are excellent layers and often have wonderful color variety, personality, and hardiness.
Hatching Eggs
Questions about hatching eggs and hatch expectations.
Do you sell hatching eggs too?
Sometimes, depending on availability and season. If we have hatching eggs available, we will list them or mention them in our updates.
Can you guarantee hatch rates on hatching eggs?
No one can honestly guarantee a hatch rate, because success depends on handling, incubation conditions, temperature, humidity, turning, and many other factors. We do our best to provide quality eggs, but the final hatch depends heavily on the incubating conditions.
How fresh are your hatching eggs?
We try to provide eggs that are as fresh as reasonably possible for the best chance of success.
Pickup & Availability
Questions about timing, pickup, and what is currently available.
How do I know what chicks you currently have available?
The best place to check is our Available Chicks page, along with our recent updates on the home page.
Do you hold chicks?
That depends on the situation and current demand. If you need chicks held for pickup, please contact us first and we will let you know what we can do.
Do you ship chicks?
At this time, please assume local pickup unless we specifically say otherwise.
Care Basics
Basic questions new chick owners often ask.
What do baby chicks need right away?
Baby chicks need warmth, clean water, appropriate chick starter feed, and a safe draft-free brooder.
What should I feed newly hatched chicks?
A quality chick starter feed is the simplest and best place to begin. Make sure they also have clean water at all times.
Can chicks live outside right away?
Usually not. Newly hatched chicks need supplemental heat and protection until they are older and feathered out enough to handle outdoor temperatures safely.
Farm Policies
General information about how we sell and what buyers should expect.
Why are your chicks straight run instead of sexed?
We prefer to be honest and realistic about what can actually be determined at this age. For most breeds, accurate sexing this young is not practical for a small farm setup.
Do you always have the same breeds available?
No. Availability changes based on season, breeding groups, hatch timing, and demand.
Why do some breeds cost more than others?
Some breeds are harder to produce, hatch in smaller numbers, or are more sought after. Price usually reflects rarity, demand, and how difficult they are to maintain and hatch.