We typically do not have birds available right now. Unless specifically advertised, we work by a reservation system. Our pullet product pages will list the available flock dates. Those are the approximate availability windows. We’ll set specific pickup dates as the flock dates approach. 

Our primary ready-to-lay pullet is a red sexlink. Red sexlink refers to a hybrid layer where the females can identified at hatch by their red feathers. They lay large brown eggs and are capable of laying at a 90%+ depending on your management, their age, and the season.

There are several genetic variations of red sexlinks, but the most common genetics we handle are Novogen and HyLine. Most people can’t tell the difference. These birds are often marketed under various trade names from mail order hatcheries and go by golden comets, red stars, etc. Creating a fun name sure beats marketing a “red sexlink.” At Badgers, we call them ready to lay pullets!

Additional breeds are sometimes available. Those options are clearly labeled. 

If vaccination, one way or the other, is important to you, please consult with us before you order. That way we can direct you to the right flock.

In 2025, we have have a relatively small number of pullets available that will be raised without vaccinations.

No.

In our experience, most soy-free feeders are content to source a pullet fed corn and soy because they will transition them to a soy-free/corn-free diet when they pick up the birds. 

You’re wise to ask questions about what “non-gmo” pullets mean. In our context, that means the birds were fed a feed using non-gmo ingredients. In 2025, 90% of our pullets will be raised on a certified non-gmo feed using a feed ration developed by Fertrell to use their Poultry Nutri-Balancer. That may not mean much to you, but to us and many of the pastured poultry producers we work with, this is a signal that we believe the details matter. 

If we list a flock as conventionally fed, that means there’s no claim on the feed. You can expect a run of the mill feed ration using. 

If we list a flock as certified organic, that’s a claim that means the birds are certified organic, which describes the entire growing practices. A certified organic pullet eats feed that is inherently non-gmo; however, non-gmo feed is not the same as certified organic. 

We typically do not have certified organic pullet availability. However, if you’re interested in larger quantities of certified organic pullets, and you’re able to plan 9 to 12 months in advance, we can work with our growers to get what you need. Feel free to reach out. 

Yes. Contact us with your need.

If you’re interested in specialty layers, such as colorful egg layers or heritage birds, we prefer to work in flock sizes of at least 100. 

If you’re looking for something like certified organic, we may be able to source those pullets, but we need to work in flock sizes of at least 1,000. 

We prefer to receive orders through our website. 

1. Browse our flock dates.
2. Pay a $3 non-refundable deposit for the quantity of birds you want.
3. Pay for the balance prior to pickup. 
4. Pickup the birds on the day and time appointed. 

We sell anywhere between 2 and 2,000 pullets per order. Chickens are social animals, and they should never be raised in a flock of one. 

We take cash. The cost is the same. 

If you want to pay less per pullet, we encourage you to order from the next pricing tier. 

Absolutely.

If you want the next pricing tier, then your order must be coordinated and paid for by one person who takes the responsibility to distribute the birds to the group.

Group orders where each order is handled (picked up/delivered) and paid for separately is not really a group order. 

NO.

Our  pick up address is 16 Pine Run Rd Hughesville, PA 17737.

We are located on the corner of U.S. Route 220 and Pine Run Rd, approximately 1 mile north of Hughesville. When you turn onto Pine Run Rd from Route 220, you’ve arrived.

When you reserve your birds, you’re reserving from a flock. Those flocks are listed by their 16 week old date. This date is not a pick up date. 

You will be provided with a pick up date as soon as we have that information confirmed with our suppliers and schedules. Waiting will be one of your most frustrating parts of the process for you and for us. We’re often moving 2000 to 8000 birds out of any given flock, and there are multiple levels of logistics that have to be worked out. 

If you’re not hearing a date from us, it’s not because we want to keep you in the dark; it’s because we’re not yet certain on that date. We’ve been at this long enough to know that schedules are subject to change, and it’s incredibly more frustrating to change the pickup date after you think you already have a date set. 

Preparation, patience and flexibility are your primary goals. Please be ready. Understand you’re not the only party affected, and give these live birds the urgency they deserve.

TIP: Have an alternate person identified to pick up your order if you are unable to make it. Your husband, wife, father, mother, employee, or really good friend who likes to drive are all people who would love to pick up your chickens. 

We do make deliveries based on order sizes and existing routes. 

Delivery rates are based on mileage traveled, hotel costs, and other handling charges. 

If you want to consider delivery, contact us. 

Not making it on pickup day should be reserved for emergencies. Please be considerate of your limitations and our expectations before you order. 

Our expectations are:

1. You or a person you send will pick up on the day we set.
   • This will almost always be a weekday.
2. We’ll give you as much notice as possible, but you do have a estimated window (e.g., w/in 2 weeks of the 16 week old date). 
3. You or a person you send will show up on the designated day.

The most common variation of this question goes something like, “You are X number of hours from me, and I have to work on that day. Can I come in two weeks?”

We want to be sympathetic, so if you have special pickup needs you need to clear that with us before you order. We can often make accommodations for small flocks of  few birds to a  few dozen. 

Whether or not you have to drive 2, 3, or 6 hours to pick up a dozen chickens is not really our issue. We did not move in the time since you placed the order and pickup.

We have lots of people who travel that far and longer to pick up their orders. It parts of the experience you agree to when you order. 

What if I really can’t make it? 

If you make arrangements, a daily charge of $0.25 per pullet will apply. However, a different pickup date must be approved before we get to pick up day. This will cover the extra feed and labor required to accommodate your schedule. 

What if I no show?

No shows beyond emergencies are rude. If you don’t show up, and you don’t communicate, we reserve the right to sell your birds to our waitlist. 

The best way to transport any chicken is a poultry transport crate. We prefer the ones from Pakster, but they’re available from other brands, such as Kuhl. 

If you are in the business of chickens, then having crates is a necessary expense. Crates will reduce mortality, ease handling, and make clean-up easier.

A Pakster crate measures 35″ x 23.5″ x 10.25″ and will fit 16 ready to lay pullets that are between 16 and 18 weeks old. Other brands may be bigger or small, so account for your size crate when planning on the number of crates needed. 

In 2025, we should have some extra crates for sale. Contact us for info. 

Will dog crates or boxeswork?

We understand that a poultry transport crate can be a big expense for the backyard chicken keeper, especially if you’re just starting. If you have cardboard boxes with air holes, that can also work.

A dog crate will work if you need to transport a doze or two birds. Due to the variation in sizes, it’s impossible to give you an estimate of how many pullets will fit in a crate.

We do recommend that your crate be structurally sound and that the doors and latches work properly. 

We also having similarly sized crates/boxes. Though we’ve seen a lot of dog crate Jenga over the years. 

We see most handling issues (escapees, injuries, death during transport) and counting errors from people using dog crates and boxes of varying sizes.

The answer to this question is almost always, “No.” 

If you’re hauling in an open bed of a pickup truck, you generally do not need any covering in most spring, summer, or fall weather. 

There are some exceptions. For example, it’s raining 3″ that day or it’s super cold, then a tarp may offer some protection for the birds that increases their comfort. But any covering needs to be used with extreme caution. Covering up the birds can intensify any sunlight and build up unsafe levels of heat. 

Bright sun is a concern in the back of the pickup truck. The direct light intensity can cause the birds stress, which can lead to unwanted behavioral issues. 

The best way we’ve found cover birds during transport is a stock trailer! If you are using a truck and hauling a considerable distance, then a empty row of chicken crates on top of the stack is a great way to protect the birds from the direct sun and any rain that happen. 

If you feel you must use a tarp, take airflow and heat into consideration, and arrange your load to minimize both factors.