If you'd like some heritage breed chickens, but only want a few:

[hedgehog]

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/juvenile_birds.html?cl=crumbtrail

I've had good luck ordering chicks from these folks for years. I've never ordered older birds, but this may be a good deal for someone who wants only a few birds.

[mopinko]

1. don't tempt me.

i have 11 easter egger chicks right now. at least 6 girls, plus i will keep one rooster. (have 10 1-year old hens)
but i sure would like just one cuckoo maran.
i have the prettiest dozen eggs right now, but that one chocolate one would make it just crazy good.

the shipping on these is huge, iirc.

[HealUS]

2. Interesting!

I didn't know you could even order these - just figuring mailing livestock
wasn't do-able and you'd just have to buy locally. This opens up a LOT of
cool options! Do they pay for themselves after the initial purchase price,
shipping and TLC. If they do - well - I'm hanging onto your link.

Thanks for the post

[hedgehog]

3. I've never ordered the older birds - just day-old chicks.

It's better to have the chicks delivered later in the Spring when temperatures are warmer. I generally order 30 to 35 at a time, and expect to lose between 1 and 5 before they mature Some breeds seem to be hardier than others.

[HealUS]

4. Thanks for those pearls of wisdom!

Hey there, Hedgehog!

I'm glad I got up this morning! Got to learn a new thing )
Thanks for that info!

[Kaleva]

5. Some really interesting breeds there!