Chicks are sold on a first come, first served basis. No online sales or pre-orders. A minimum of 3 chicks is required. Each store has specific policies regarding release times. Please check with your local store.
Whiteford has a maximum of 10 chicks on the day of purchase and some rare breeds have smaller maximums. Please call your local store for store specific policies on chick arrivals and release times and procedures for purchasing.
Ask the right questions before buying chicks.
Are they straight-run or pullets?
Hatcheries sell chicks in groups of straight-run or pullets. Straight-run is a mix of genders. With a straight-run group, you take a gamble of having just as many, if not more, males than females. Pullet is a term for female chicks under the age of one. You may find it beneficial to pay more for a group of pullets. Keep in mind the guarantee percentage for all females in a pullet group is high, but not 100%. There is a chance your batch could have a rooster.*
The majority of The Mill’s chicks are pullets.
The Mill’s French Guineas, Ring-Neck Pheasants, ducks and turkeys are straight-run.
What are they eating now?
Chicks at the Mill are typically started on a medicated chick starter, as opposed to non-medicated. Medicated feeds are designed to give chicks an immunity boost during the first days of their lives. This helps fight off illness while the chicks are adjusting to a new home. The medicated feed The Mill uses contains amprolium, not an anti-biotic. It helps to prevent Coccidiosis.
Have they been vaccinated?
Chicks at the Mill have been vaccinated for Mareks Disease, a viral disease. The vaccination can prevent Mareks if administered immediately after the chicks hatch.
Ducks/French Guineas/Pheasants/Turkeys at the Mill have not been vaccinated for Mareks Disease.
