Question 1

How do I contact you with questions?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at info@whitingfarmshatchery.com, and someone from our team will respond as soon as possible, typically within 3-5 business days.

Our commercial hatchery is a small (and very lean) operation. As such, there is no staffed office for bird sales, and all orders and inquiries are managed remotely. Because of this, phone support just isn’t feasible. Email allows us to stay organized and track requests so we can respond accurately and efficiently. Thank you for your understanding!

Please note: The phone number listed on Google connects to the Whiting Farms feather sales department, which is a separate part of the business. They are not involved with live bird sales, will not be able to assist with chick or adult bird orders, and cannot pass along inquiries.

Question 2

How do I know what birds are currently available?

Accepted Answer

Availability is posted on our website and updated regularly.

Chicks are typically available from early spring through May. Orders can be placed in advance for future hatch dates, and pickups will be arranged as chicks become available.
Adult birds are listed in batches throughout the year, depending on our grow-out and breeding turn-over schedule. We don't know in advance what breeds will be available. Listings include breed and age information. Pickup date options for adult birds are listed at checkout (typically Saturdays at 10am).

We recommend checking the website first before reaching out, as it always has the most current information.

Question 3

What is the minimum order?

Accepted Answer

We require a minimum of 10 adult birds or 25 chicks per order, unless otherwise noted.
As a busy working hatchery with a small team, we operate under strict biosecurity protocols. For health and safety reasons, customers do not enter the facility or select individual birds. All birds are pre-caught and hauled to designated pickup locations near the ranch.

Catching, sorting, and transporting birds is a labor-intensive process, and we organize loadouts in large batches—typically 100 birds or more—to keep operations efficient and ensure the welfare of the flock. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate smaller orders or individual pickup times.

Question 4

Can I order adult birds now and pick them up later in the season?

Accepted Answer

No—orders are tied to specific, near-term pickup dates and cannot be held for future pickup. If you’re not able to make one of the listed dates at checkout, we recommend checking back closer to when you’re ready. We regularly update the website with new availability and upcoming loadout options.

Question 5

When and how can I pick up my order?

Accepted Answer

Adult birds are picked up on scheduled loadout days, usually on Saturdays. Pickup dates are shown during checkout so you can select an option that works for you. All birds are pre-caught and transported to a designated pickup location near the hatchery—customers do not enter the facility or select individual birds.

Chicks are typically picked up by appointment on Thursdays or Fridays, depending on hatch timing. We may be able to meet you in Clifton, Delta, or Montrose depending on when we are delivering chicks to our retailers.

We are not able to accommodate unscheduled pickups or last-minute changes, so please plan ahead based on the available dates.

We will send an email out (usually a day prior to your pickup) with directions. Do not come to the ranch unless you have received a confirmation with a specific pickup time.

Question 6

What do I need to bring on pickup day?

Accepted Answer

For adult birds, please bring a secure, well-ventilated container—dog kennels and poultry transport crates work best. If using cardboard boxes, they must have air holes and be tall enough with a lid to prevent escape. Be sure not to overcrowd—these birds are often larger than expected and need space to stay calm, cool, and safe in transit.

If you’re using a horse or stock trailer, make sure all windows and openings are closed or securely covered—birds will attempt to fly out through gaps during transport as they are attracted to the light. Yes, even if they are up high.

For chicks, we’ll have them boxed and ready for you at pickup—no need to bring anything.

Question 7

Do you offer shipping?

Accepted Answer

No—we do not ship chicks or adult birds. Due to the scale of our operation and the logistics involved, we only offer local pickup on scheduled loadout dates near the ranch. We are not set up for mail-order or long-distance shipping.

Question 8

Are your chicks vaccinated? Can I get them unvaccinated?

Accepted Answer

Yes—all chicks are vaccinated for Marek’s disease and infectious bursal disease (IBD) at hatch, with no exceptions.

Because of the large number of chicks we process on hatch day, orders are not yet separated at the time of vaccination, and there is no practical way to sort out individual requests. Vaccinating all chicks ensures consistency, biosecurity, and long-term health for the birds.

Question 9

Can you help me choose breeds for my flock or climate?

Accepted Answer

All of our breeds generally do well in a range of conditions, but for very cold climates, we recommend avoiding large-combed, lighter-bodied breeds like Leghorns, which may be more prone to frostbite.

For more specific advice, local poultry groups or your county extension office are often great resources.

Question 10

Can you give me advice about housing, flock integration, small flock care, etc?

Accepted Answer

While we have a few general resources such as our Flock Transition Tips, we’re not able to provide individual guidance on flock management, housing, or care. Our focus is on maintaining a high-health, large-scale operation, and while we wish we could chat with you about all things chickens, we simply don’t have the capacity to respond to individual questions.

For mid-size and larger laying flocks, we recommend this guide from Sunshine Mesa Farm.

For help with small flock care, we recommend connecting with local poultry groups, experienced breeders, or your county extension office.

Question 11

Can I visit the ranch for a tour or to pick up a few birds?

Accepted Answer

For biosecurity and logistical reasons, the hatchery is not open to the public. We do not offer tours, and all bird pickups happen at designated off-site locations near the ranch on scheduled loadout days. Customers are not able to visit the facility or select individual birds in person.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep our flocks healthy and operations running smoothly

Question 12

Do you sell fertile hatching eggs?

Accepted Answer

We do not currently offer hatching eggs for sale. While we do produce fertile eggs, the logistics of sorting, packing, and coordinating small individual orders make it impractical for us to offer hatching eggs. Our focus remains on providing healthy chicks and adult birds for local pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions