You can buy chickens in San Diego at local farms, feed stores like The Home Depot, or specialty poultry suppliers such as San Diego Chicken Company.
San Diego offers multiple options for buying chickens, from local feed stores to specialty hatcheries. Whether you want egg layers, meat birds, or rare breeds, this guide covers all the best places to purchase poultry in America’s Finest City.
San Diego Chicken Laws and Regulations
Before buying chickens, understand local laws. San Diego allows backyard chickens with these rules:
- Up to 5 chickens allowed if coop is 5+ feet from side property lines and 13+ feet from rear lines
- 15 chickens permitted if coop is 15+ feet from all property lines
- 25 chickens allowed if kept 50+ feet from residences
- Roosters prohibited due to noise
- Coops must be predator-proof with 10 sq ft per chicken minimum
For full details, visit the San Diego Urban Farming website.
Best Places to Buy Chickens in San Diego
1. Backyard Chickies
This local hatchery delivers chicks to 5 Southern California counties including San Diego. They offer:
- Over 50 chicken breeds available
- Guaranteed female chicks
- Vaccination options
- Year-round availability
Visit Backyard Chickies for current selections.
2. City Farmers Nursery
This 1.5-acre nursery in San Diego occasionally offers:
- Starter chicks in spring
- Chicken supplies (feeders, waterers)
- Coop building materials
- Organic feed options
Check their website for chicken availability.
3. Local Feed Stores
These stores often carry chicks seasonally:
| Store | Locations | Chick Season |
|---|---|---|
| Country Feed Store | Fallbrook, Escondido, Santee | March-July |
| Ramona Feed & Supply | Ramona | Year-round |
| Poway Feed & Pet Supply | Poway | Spring only |
4. Craigslist & Local Classifieds
Great for finding:
- Adult laying hens
- Started pullets
- Rare breeds
- Used coop equipment
Search “chickens” in the San Diego Craigslist farm section.
Choosing the Right Chickens
Best Egg Layers for San Diego
- Rhode Island Reds (brown eggs)
- Leghorns (white eggs)
- Easter Eggers (blue/green eggs)
Learn more about egg colors by breed.
Best Meat Birds
- Cornish Cross (fast growing)
- Freedom Rangers (foragers)
Best Dual-Purpose
- Orpingtons
- Wyandottes
- Plymouth Rocks
Chicken Care Tips for San Diego
Predator Protection
Common San Diego predators include:
- Coyotes
- Raccoons
- Hawks
Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire) for coops. Learn how chickens protect themselves naturally.
Heat Management
San Diego summers require:
- Shade structures
- Frozen water bottles
- Electrolyte supplements
Winter Considerations
While mild, San Diego winters may require:
- Wind protection
- Dry bedding
- Covered runs during rain
Chicken Supplies in San Diego
Essential supplies available locally:
- Feed (Country Feed Store)
- Grit (City Farmers Nursery)
- Nesting boxes (Tractor Supply)
- Health supplements (Ramona Feed)
San Diego Chicken Communities
Connect with other chicken owners:
- San Diego Backyard Chickens Facebook Group
- San Diego 4-H Poultry Clubs
- San Diego County Fair Poultry Show
For more chicken care tips, read our guide on what to do with chickens when on vacation.