WHERE TO BUY CHICKENS FOR SALE

Where Can I Buy Chickens?

We’ve put together a list of local companies that breed chickens that are all based in Australia to help you get started. Some of these breeders may offer an interstate transport service.

Just to be clear, we can’t recommend or endorse any of these companies. We are just supplying a list of known breeders and therefore we can’t take any responsibility for the services they provide.

Important Questions Before Buying Chickens

Here are a few common questions Coops and Cages is often asked about buying chickens:

• Where do I start? Where’s the best place to buy?
• What should I expect to pay?
• What does the council say about keeping chickens?
• Where do you buy chickens from?
• What’s the best age – young or old?

This general information applies to buying chickens throughout all states and territories in Australia.

How Much Do They Cost?

Without giving exact costs, we do have some approximate costs that will help you get an idea of what you can expect to pay.

• Day old chickens usually cost around $15 each. You should expect to have them vaccinated but unsexed.
• Pure bred chicks (sexed) are available from around 4 weeks of age. They will cost around $75 each.
• For a point of lay hen, common varieties cost around $30 each.

Do I Need a Chicken Coop?

A safe and sturdy coop for your chooks is essential for housing them and keeping them healthy. The coop must be big enough for your chickens and be escape proof. Features such as predator proof wire mesh and easy to clean metal trays in the sleeping area are absolutely key to ensure your chooks live a long life.

Chicken coops with asphalt roofs will keep your chickens warm and dry in the colder seasons and help keep them cool through the hotter months too. Ensure nesting boxes are adequately sized and that there are enough perches. For maximum ventilation, make sure your coop features mesh covered windows and doors.

Additionally, extra runs with easy-to-access doors will make life so much easier for both yourself and your chickens.

If your chickens aren’t provided adequate housing, you will get into trouble with your local council as well as increase the risk of diseases for your chooks.

At Coops and Cages, we offer a wide range of chicken coops to suit all shapes and sizes of chicken families. Our coops are constructed from rot resistant Fir timber and utilise strong and secure hinges for long-life durability.

What Type of Chickens Should I Choose?

There are so many wonderful chicken breeds to choose from that will suit you and your family.

Different breeds of chickens will have varying characteristics so make sure you do your research before purchasing. Some chickens are friendly pets, good egg layers or great for show or breeding.

Additionally take into consideration whether the chickens you buy will be happy in your local climate. A wide range of chicken varieties come in smaller bantam versions, which is perfect if your plot size is a limiting factor.

Below are some of the most popular chicken breeds in Australia:

Breed Characteristics

Consistent Egg Layers:

ISA Brown, Leghorn, Australian Langshan, Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Wyandotte, Orpington

Great Pets:

Ameraucana, Silkie, ISA Brown, Pekin, Australorp, Brahma, Booted Bantam

Cheap To Feed:

Belgian Bantams, Sultan, Sebright

Show Chickens:

Ameraucana, Houdan, Booted bantam, Buff laced Polish

Tasty Meat:

Australian Langshan, Dorking, Plymouth Rock, Delaware, Brahma

Can I Keep Chickens in My Backyard?

How Old Should Chickens Be When I Buy Them?

The age at which you buy your chickens and even hatch them is completely up to you. Options include: day-old chicks, pullets, point of lay and fully grown chickens.

Some things to take into consideration:

Day-Old Chicks

These are freshly hatched chickens, but not necessarily one day old. They can be a cheaper alternative to buying chickens but you may not in every case be able to determine their sex until they’re a little older, therefore you may end up with some males.

Additionally, you will need a source of heat to ensure they are warm at 33 degrees.

It works out great if you can use a hen to raise the young chicks but many hens will not accept chicks that aren’t their own. Also, you will need to keep young chickens separate as adult chickens may try to harm them.

Pullets

These chickens are younger than one year old and will have proven their egg laying capabilities. Pullets are normally the most expensive class of poultry.