Ready to fast-forward your flock from chicks to egg layers? Started pullets for sale let you skip the brooder, avoid early chick headaches, and start collecting fresh eggs sooner. In this guide you’ll discover how to find the best started pullets near you, compare top hatcheries, pick the right breed, and prep your coop like a pro—all in a friendly, step-by-step chat.
Discover Started Pullets for Sale
Started pullets are young hens, usually 15–22 weeks old, that have already been vaccinated and are ready to settle into your flock. You’ll skip the brooder stage, reduce early-life losses, and often nab better survivability than straight-run chicks.
Why Buy Started Pullets?
- No brooder needed, so you save on heat lamps and run-throughs.
- Faster egg production—many hybrids start laying at 22 weeks.
- Vaccinated against Mareks disease for flock health.
If you’re still weighing your options, you might also explore day-old chicks for sale or hatching eggs for sale to compare cost and commitment.
Compare Hatchery Options
Not all started pullets are created equal. Here’s a quick look at four reputable suppliers:
| Hatchery | Age (Weeks) | Vaccinated | Min Order | Shipping & Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside Hatchery | 15–22 | Yes (white, brown) | Varies* | Pick-up in Aug–Sep, limited supply (Sunnyside) |
| Valley Hatchery | 15–20 | Yes (Mareks) | 1 pullet | USPS, live arrival guaranteed (Valley Hatchery) |
| Heritage Pullets | 15–20 | Yes (Mareks) | 1 pullet | Tues shipping to 49 states, 99% sexing accuracy (Heritage Pullets) |
| Meyer Hatchery | 16–20 | Yes (full panel) | 1 pullet | Beak trimmed, floor-raised, worm-treated (Meyer Hatchery) |
*Order window opens in early March for pick-up later in the season.
Choose Your Ideal Breed
With started pullets for sale you can browse a huge variety of breeds—no waiting for chicks to grow. Here are some popular layers:
- Rhode Island Red – Hardy, dual-purpose rhode island red chicks
- Barred Plymouth Rock – Friendly, cold-tolerant barred-rock-chicks
- Buff Orpington – Calm, great brooders buff-orpington-chicks
- Easter Egger – Colorful eggs, easy to tame easter-egger-chicks
- Black Australorp – Prolific layers black-australorp-chicks
- White Leghorn – High output leghorn-chicks
- Wyandotte – Stunning plumage wyandotte-chicks
Looking for tiny fluffs or unusual varieties? Check out bantam chickens for sale or rare chicken breeds for sale to discover something special.
Prepare Your Space
Your new pullets arrive almost ready to lay, but they still need a cozy spot and proper gear. Let’s cover the basics.
Coop and Run
- Secure, well-ventilated shelter with 2–3 square feet per bird.
- Roost bars and nesting boxes sized for adult pullets.
Feeding and Watering
- Grower-layer feed transition to boost egg production.
- Fresh water in frost-proof drinkers, hints on chicken feeders and waterers.
Brooder Supplies
- Even though pullets skip the brooder, keep chick brooder supplies on hand for any stragglers or broody hens.
Place Your Order Smartly
Ready to click “Buy”? Keep these tips in mind for smooth delivery.
- Check Shipping Windows
Each hatchery lists available months—if you mix breeds, all orders ship together. - Note Cancellation Policies
Some suppliers lock in orders from March through September 30 with no cancellations. - Track Delivery Day
Most hatcheries ship on Tuesdays for reliable live arrival. - Inspect on Arrival
Photo-document any issues and contact the seller immediately for replacements.
Want broader options? You can also look into meat chickens for sale or expand to waterfowl with ducklings for sale and goslings for sale.
Review Key Takeaways
- Started pullets for sale save you time, brooders, and early chick care.
- Compare hatcheries on age, vaccination, minimums, and shipping guarantees.
- Pick a breed that fits your goals—egg color, temperament, or dual-purpose.
- Prep a coop, feeders, and drinkers before your pullets arrive.
- Follow hatchery policies on ordering windows, shipping days, and inspections.
Your next step? Pick one breed you’re curious about, place your first pullet order, and watch your backyard flock flourish. Have questions—or a favorite pullet breed—drop them in the comments below so we can all learn together.