6 Get a good source

Commercial birds should be sourced direct from the original hatchery if possible.

Bromley Park Hatcheries

Ph: 09 236 7011 Where: Tuakau (south of Auckland) & Christchurch What: Shaver Brown layer chicks (1 day old), Cobb meat chicks (1 day old) www.bromley.co.nz

Golden Coast

Ph 0800 495 463 Where: New Plymouth What: Hyline Brown layer chicks (1 day old), pullets (16 weeks), Ross meat chicks (1 day old) www.goldencoast.co.nz

Heslip’s Hatcheries Ph 03 685 8778 Where: Fairlie, South Canterbury What: Shaver Brown layer chicks (1 day old), pullets (10 weeks, 18 weeks), Cobb meat chicks (1 day old) www.heslipshatcheries.co.nz

Some people also sell commercial chicks by buying small batches of chicks and on-selling them. However, beware that transporting very young chicks (older than one day but before they are weaned off heat, ie 4 weeks) can be a risky business. Once chicks have eaten and their digestive system starts up, they can overheat very easily when enclosed in a small box.

If you’d like to hatch eggs or raise chicks from heritage breeds, you can find them on Trade Me. The best option would be to talk to your local poultry club and find the people who are dedicated to breeding these birds. www.nzpoultryassociationsinc.co.nz