Buyer guide

Frequently asked questions

Everything buyers ask us most often — ages, laying timelines, day-to-day care, free-ranging, and the Great Pyrenees that guard the flock.

Ages and availability

What ages of birds do you sell?: We offer day-old chicks ($4.00–$5.75 depending on breed), started pullets at 4–6 months ($60.00 each), recently started layers at 7–12 months ($75.00 each), and adult laying hens at 1–1.5 years in peak lay ($85.00 each). We also have fertilized hatching eggs available for $25.00 a dozen if you want to incubate your own.
Which should I buy as a first-time keeper?: Started pullets are the simplest option for beginners because they are fully feathered, past the brooder stage, and close to laying. Alternatively, you can choose day-old chicks to raise your flock from the start, or adult hens if you want fresh eggs right away.
Are chicks sexed?: We sell our Rhode Island Red and Black Star chicks as pullets whenever our supply allows. Mixed heritage chicks are sold straight run, so you should expect a portion of cockerels. Please let us know your preferences when you place your order.
Do you ship chickens?: Yes — we ship chickens in the continental USA. Tell us your ZIP code when you order and we confirm availability along with the shipping details and cost before anything is charged.

When will my birds start laying?: Most of our breeds start laying between 18 and 22 weeks of age. Rhode Island Reds and Black Stars begin earliest and produce most consistently, while Orpingtons take a little longer to mature and lay somewhat fewer eggs.
How many eggs should I expect?: A healthy hen typically produces around 250 to 300 eggs during her first full year, with numbers tapering gradually in subsequent years. Laying naturally slows down during the deep winter months and throughout the annual moult, which is completely normal.
Do I need a rooster for eggs?: No, hens will lay regular table eggs without a rooster present. You only need a rooster if you intend to hatch fertilized eggs, or you can purchase fertilized hatching eggs directly from us.

How do I care for day-old chicks?: Keep your brooder at 95°F during the first week and decrease the temperature by 5°F each week until the chicks are fully feathered. Provide clean, dry bedding, fresh water, and a 20% protein chick starter feed at all times.
What do you feed your flock?: Our flock eats a 16% layer ration balanced with vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, alongside garden-fresh produce like watermelon, corn, lettuce, cucumber, and sweet potato. This diverse diet produces excellent egg flavor and vibrant yolk color.
How much space do birds need?: Plan on roughly 4 square feet of indoor coop floor space per hen along with 8 to 10 square feet of outdoor run space. In addition to their feed, provide free-choice grit and oyster shell once the hens begin laying.

Are your birds free-range?: Yes, our flock ranges the property all day and is shut safely into the coop every night for protection. Because they are raised this way, our birds settle comfortably into a similar daily rhythm at your home.
Will free-ranging damage my garden?: When properly managed, free-ranging birds help gardens by eating weeds, ticks, beetles, and slugs while scratching up the soil and leaving nutrient-rich manure. We recommend rotating where they forage and keeping tender seedlings or new lawn areas securely fenced off.
Can I keep them in a coop and run only?: Yes, all of our breeds adapt very well to confinement as long as their run is spacious, dry, and sheltered with shade. You can keep your hens active and content by providing fresh greens and a designated dust-bathing area.

Why do you keep Great Pyrenees?: Great Pyrenees are livestock guardian dogs that watch over our chickens and other stock day and night while they range. Having them on patrol is the main reason our flock can safely free-range outdoors.
Will a guardian dog suit my property?: Great Pyrenees do best on properties with ample acreage, secure perimeter fencing, and livestock to protect. While they are calm and independent guardians for a working homestead, their instinct to bark at night makes them unsuited for small suburban yards.

Georgia Chickens is veterinarian owned and operated — ask us anything about your flock.