Chickens are typically sold at various ages, but most commonly, they are around 6 to 20 weeks old when purchased for egg-laying or as pets.
Buying chickens at the right age is crucial for their health and productivity. Most chickens are sold between 1 day and 8 weeks old, depending on the source and purpose. This guide explains chicken ages at purchase and what to expect at each stage.
Typical Ages When Buying Chickens
Chickens are sold at different ages based on where you buy them and your goals:
| Age | Where Sold | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 days | Feed stores, hatcheries | Fluffy yellow chicks, need heat lamp |
| 1-2 weeks | Farm stores, breeders | Starting to grow wing feathers |
| 3-5 weeks | Local farms, online sellers | Mostly feathered, still need warmth |
| 6-8 weeks | Tractor Supply, rural stores | Fully feathered, ready for coop |
| 16-20 weeks | Specialty breeders | Pullets near laying age |
Day-Old Chicks (1-3 days)
Many feed stores receive chicks at just 24-48 hours old. These fluffy babies require:
- Constant 95°F heat source
- Starter feed crumbles
- Shallow water with marbles to prevent drowning
According to Flip Flop Barnyard, day-old chicks need careful monitoring for the first week as they adjust to life outside the incubator.
Partially Feathered Chicks (3-5 weeks)
At this stage, chicks show visible feather growth but still need supplemental heat. You’ll notice:
- Wing feathers appear first
- Tail feathers developing
- Increased activity and appetite
As seen on Backyard Chickens, 4-week-old chicks typically have significant feathering but aren’t fully covered yet.
Ready-to-Go Chicks (6-8 weeks)
Most chickens sold at farm stores are 6-8 weeks old because:
- They’re fully feathered
- Can regulate body temperature
- Ready to transition to coop life
How to Determine a Chicken’s Age
If you’re unsure about a chicken’s age, check these physical indicators:
Feather Development
Baby chicks grow feathers in this order:
- Wing tips (1 week)
- Tail (2-3 weeks)
- Back and belly (3-4 weeks)
- Head and neck (5-6 weeks)
Size and Weight
Average weights by age:
- 1 week: 4-6 oz
- 4 weeks: 1-1.5 lbs
- 8 weeks: 3-4 lbs
Special Considerations by Chicken Type
Meat Chickens (Broilers)
Cornish Cross broilers are typically sold at:
- 1 day old for home raising
- 8-10 weeks for processed birds
Laying Hens
Pullets (young hens) are often sold at:
- 16-20 weeks (just before laying)
- Point-of-lay (18-22 weeks)
Learn more about when Rhode Island Reds start laying.
Where to Buy Chickens by Age
Young Chicks (0-6 weeks)
- Feed stores (Tractor Supply, Rural King)
- Online hatcheries
- Local breeders
Older Pullets (12-20 weeks)
- Specialty poultry farms
- Local classifieds
- 4H clubs
Caring for Newly Purchased Chickens
Proper care depends on the chicken’s age at purchase:
For Chicks Under 6 Weeks
- Provide heat lamp (reduce 5°F each week)
- Use starter feed (18-20% protein)
- Prevent drafts in brooder
For Older Chickens
- Quarantine for 2-4 weeks
- Gradually introduce to existing flock
- Provide separate feeding areas
Discover how to introduce chickens to a new coop successfully.
Common Mistakes When Buying Chickens
- Mixing ages in same brooder
- Not checking for pasty butt (in chicks)
- Failing to quarantine new birds
- Overcrowding the brooder
Seasonal Availability
Chicken availability varies by season:
- Spring: Widest selection of chicks
- Summer: Teenage chickens available
- Fall/Winter: Limited chick supplies
Most hatcheries ship chicks February through August.