Keeping backyard chickens can be a fun and rewarding adventure for the whole family!
Years ago, most families had a small flock of chickens in their yards that would provide them with a daily supply of fresh eggs. While that practice has become less common over the years, we are now seeing renewed interest in backyard chicken keeping, and we think it's awesome!
Looking to start or add to your flock?
Each Spring, we select varieties that are cold-hardy and lay a variety of colored eggs. Many of the birds are also considered dual purpose, meaning they can be used as egg-layers or meat birds. We order only sexed chicks, and the hatchery we work with has a great record of sending out girls. We’ve had very few rooster reports in all the years we’ve been doing this.
Our process
We select the varieties we’ll offer for the season and begin taking pre-orders via our website in late January. Chicks arrive here and are ready for pickup in late March. Dates very from year to year, but you’ll be kept in the loop! If you see breeds you want, order early because we often sell out.
Once the babies arrive to us, we check each one to make sure she had a successful trip. We give her a snack and a drink and a cozy place to hang out until you come to get your new friends. You’ll be notified via email when the chicks are on the way so you can prepare for their arrival.
Special requests? Let us know! We’re happy to special order particular varieties for you from the hatchery. Email erin@mastersons.net for more information.
Welcoming your new chicks
Bringing home your new chicks is exciting! Here are some things to have on hand to help them acclimate:
A heat lamp. Chicks must be kept warm for several weeks before their feathers start to grow. The temperature can gradually decrease as the chicks grow, and most breeds are fully feathered and able to go outdoors at about 5-6 weeks.
Chick food. Chicks need a small crumble designed specially for chicks. If your chicks are vaccinated (ours are), it is not recommended to give medicated feed.
Food and water dishes. Chicks make a mess of things pretty quickly. We like trough style dishes with small holes for the birds to feed through as it seems to reduce the amount of spilling and pooping in the feed.
Bedding. We use fine pine shavings as bedding, though any non-slip absorbent material will work.
A safe enclosure. Chicks must be kept warm and protected. The enclosure should be large enough that the chicks can move around comfortably, and be able to get closer or farther away from the heat lamp in order to regulate temps. If there are pets or any other potential threats, it’s a good idea to have a screen or some sort of cover over the birds. As they get older, they will try to fly…
Electrolytes. We like to add electrolytes to the chick water for at least the first week or so.