Where Can I Buy a Chicken in New Zealand?

So, you've finally completed your chicken coop. The rodent-resistent chicken feeder, the automatic chicken drinker, and the roosting bedding are all set up and ready. But now you're left with one crucial question: Where can I buy a chicken in New Zealand?

What to Consider Before Buying a Chicken

Before you rush out to find your new feathered friends, it's important to consider two key factors: the type of chicken you want and the health of the chicken.

Different breeds serve different purposes—some, like the Leghorn or the Hyline, typically lay more eggs, while others, like the Sussex or Orpington, are dual-purpose birds, good for both eggs and meat. If your main goal is to have a steady supply of backyard eggs, consider breeds like the Australorp or the Shaver Brown, which are known for their high egg production and suitability to New Zealand's climate.

Once you've decided on the breed, the next step is finding a healthy bird. There are many places in New Zealand where you can buy chickens, but not all sources are equal.

Here are our top four places to find chickens in New Zealand, along with some tips to help you make the right choice.

1. Poultry Clubs and Groups

New Zealand's Poultry Clubs and Facebook groups are some of the safest places to buy chickens.

These communities are filled with members who take their backyard farming—and their reputation—very seriously. Many of these members are experienced chicken breeders who sell healthy, well-cared-for birds.

Additionally, birds purchased through these groups are often vaccinated against common chicken diseases, providing an extra layer of protection for your flock.

If you're considering buying chickens through a poultry club or group, here are a few good starting points:

• Rare Breeds Society New Zealand: A great resource for finding reputable breeders of heritage and rare breeds across the country. Visit their website here.
• Poultry and Pigeon Community: This active Facebook group is a fantastic place to connect with fellow chicken keepers and find chickens for sale. Join the group here.
• Showing Poultry: Another helpful Facebook group, especially if you're interested in show-quality birds or learning more about poultry exhibitions. Join the group here.

Larger rural feed stores may also take orders for point-of-lay hens, pullets, or full-grown laying hens. Some stores even offer day-old chicks by mail order.

While the idea of getting a box of fluffy chicks is exciting, remember that raising them requires specific facilities and a lot more knowledge and effort compared to keeping older chickens. Chicks aren't always sexed, so you might end up with a few roosters in the mix!

2. NZ Chicken Breeders

Poultry breeders are another excellent place to find chickens. Many breeders across New Zealand specialise in various breeds, from high egg producers to rare and heritage breeds. You can often find reputable breeders through online directories, poultry clubs, or by word of mouth within the chicken-keeping community.

When looking for a breeder, it's important to do your research. Check online reviews, ask for recommendations from fellow chicken keepers, and if possible, visit the breeder in person to see the conditions in which the birds are raised. A good breeder will be transparent about their practices and eager to share their knowledge.

If you're interested in heritage breeds or specific types of chickens, look for breeders who specialise in those areas. Many breeders will offer a variety of options, including point-of-lay hens, pullets, and even fertile eggs if you're interested in hatching your own chicks.

When purchasing from a breeder, always ensure the birds are healthy and have been raised in clean, humane conditions. Reputable breeders will often vaccinate their chickens against common diseases, which is a good sign that you're dealing with someone who cares about the health of their birds.

If you've had a positive experience with a local New Zealand breeder, consider sharing their details with the chicken-keeping community. Supporting reputable breeders helps ensure the availability of healthy, well-bred chickens across the country.

3. TradeMe.co.nz or Local Classifieds

If you're looking for convenience and a wide variety of options, TradeMe.co.nz or your local classifieds can be great places to find chickens.

You can find everything from fertilised eggs, day-old chicks, and pullets, to point-of-lay hens. TradeMe is particularly useful for finding mature hens, as people often need to sell their chickens due to a change in circumstances. While these chickens may be slightly older, you can usually find a great deal, especially if the seller is eager to off-load them along with a chicken coop or tractor.

However, buying chickens online requires a bit of caution. It's best to collect your chickens directly from the seller's location whenever possible. This way, you can ensure that the birds are healthy and see firsthand the conditions they were raised in.

Not all online vendors are equal, and some may not provide exactly what you expect. Take the time to choose your chickens carefully, and don't hesitate to walk away if something doesn't feel right.

4. NZ Hen Rescue Organisations

If you're interested in chickens primarily as pets rather than for egg production, supporting a hen rescue program might be the perfect option for you. Organisations like Animal Rehoming and Free as a Bird Rescue specialise in rehoming ex-battery hens—birds that have spent their lives in tiny cages and often have never been outdoors. These hens are typically culled at 2 or 3 years old, once their peak egg-laying period is over. However, they can continue laying for up to five years after this point and may live even longer.

Adopting battery hens gives these birds a chance to live out their lives in a more natural and happy environment. However, it's important to be aware that ex-battery hens may not be as robust as other chickens. They might not lay eggs as reliably, and they could have some health issues due to their long confinement. Despite these challenges, the reward of giving an animal a better quality of life can be incredibly fulfilling.

I Want to Know More About Buying Chickens

If you have more questions about buying chickens, or if you're looking for detailed advice on raising them, be sure to visit our blog. There, you'll find information on the best age to get a chicken, how to raise chicks, and what you need to keep your chickens happy and healthy. We're here to help you every step of the way as you build and care for your flock.