When is the best time to buy chicks, cheap?

[J-birdy]

We bought some Comets this past April at Tractor Supply for the going price of around $4 to $5 each [I can't remember the exact price].

About two weeks went by, and we were at TS again, and they had some Bard Rocks, and Leghorns there so I asked the price, and was told they were $1 each so we got around 20.

The question is, why were the chickens we got two weeks later, so cheap in price? We've lost many of those to predators, for which we've now learned how to keep them alive, so I might buy some more chicks soon so they can be old enough to survive the winter weather.

Is there a time of the year where chicks are sold cheaper? Thanks.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi, and welcome to BYC!

The vast majority of chicks are sold in the early spring. People who live in colder states want them to be old enough in the fall to be able to live in the coop through winter. If too young, they can't integrate and can't live in subzero temperatures.

I can't speak to TSC policies but it does make sense that the later in the year, the cheaper the chicks. Our TSC up here stopped getting chicks a couple of months ago I believe. I sell my own chicks and with an exception this year, stop hatching by the end of July.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out.
I hatch at different times mine go like 5 each.
That is barnyard mixes for the most part.
I have a base dislike of tsc corporate.

 

[The Moonshiner]

I think what TSC does is get chicks on a regular weekly schedule. If at any time they have several of anything left and a new shipment close to arriving they put those chicks on sell to get them moved out.

 

[Altairsky]

Some breeds are also more pricey than others.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My guess is if they have surplus chicks that haven't sold and need to clear space for a new shipment they'll drop the price.

 

[21hens-incharge]

TSC discounts them when they are a couple weeks old to clear space for new arrivals. It's hit and miss both with breeds and availability.

Last fall I was in to get feed and picked up blue copper marans pullets for $2 each marked down from $8 each. A couple years ago they had a bin of straight run light brahma at a dollar each.