As the snow melts and garden soil softens, another beloved springtime tradition returns to New Hampshire — chick season. Across the central and southern parts of the state, feed stores, farm supply centers, and small hatcheries are bustling with the peeps of new life. This hobby welcomes everyone; from homesteaders expanding their flocks to first-time chicken keepers eager to raise their own backyard hens.

While spring may bring muddy boots and unpredictable weather, for many Granite Staters, it also marks a quieter kind of celebration — one that begins with a warm brooder box, a carton of starter feed, and a handful of chirping chicks.

A Seasonal Tradition Rooted in Local Life

Chick season typically runs from March through late May, with weekly shipments of chicks, ducklings, poults (baby turkeys), and even keets (baby guinea fowl) arriving at local farm supply stores. It’s a seasonal rhythm that blends both rural tradition and modern sustainability efforts — offering residents a hands-on way to take part in their own food production and animal care.

At Chatham Farm Supply in Chatham, NH, chicks arrive weekly from trusted hatcheries and are available for pre-order or walk-in selection. Many people plan for chick season like they do for gardening or other outdoor hobbies. They will choose their breeds ahead of time, and they will be ready to pick up their birds the moment local farms get their first shipment.

Where to Find Chicks

Chicks are widely available in central and southern New Hampshire — here are a few standout spots:

Chatham Farm Supply (Chatham, NH) 

Carries chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl. Great educational handouts and starter kits. Learn more!

Open Gate Poultry (Brookline, NH) 

A small local hatchery offering pre-order chicks with pickups March through June. Focus on heritage breeds and healthy starts. Learn more!

Tractor Supply (NH)

There are numerous Tractor Supply locations throughout the state that offer the option to purchase chicks and supplies at a store local to you. Learn more!

Many stores also offer chick-starter bundles, including bedding, feeders, and heat lamps to make setup easier for beginners.

First-Timer Tips: What to Know Before You Bring Chicks Home

Raising chicks is rewarding — but they’re more than a cute novelty. They require consistent care and a bit of planning. Here’s what to know before heading home:

Brooder Box 

Your chicks will need a safe, warm space to grow. A large plastic tote or livestock trough works well when outfitted with pine shavings and a heat source.

Heat & Light

Chicks need a starting temp of 95°F, reduced by 5 degrees each week. Heat lamps and brooder plates are both common choices.

Food & Water

Use chick starter feed (medicated or unmedicated) and shallow waterers to prevent spills and drownings.

Time Commitment

Plan for 6–8 weeks in the brooder before the birds are old enough to live outside full time.

Size of Flock

Chickens are not intended to be pets, and should not be purchased for children for their Easter basket or a Spring surprise. Raising chickens or other birds is a large commitment, and you will need to purchase numerous chicks in order to raise them properly.

Before you start your journey raising chickens, be sure to check your local zoning laws — some towns limit flock size or restrict roosters. In Concord, for instance, backyard hens are permitted in many zones, but with rules on coop location and cleanliness.

Why It’s More Than Just Eggs

While the promise of farm-fresh eggs is what draws many people in, most new chicken keepers quickly discover that backyard flocks offer far more than just breakfast. Chickens are curious, comical, and social animals that quickly become part of the household routine.

Chickens also play a role in composting and pest control, and their droppings make excellent additions to garden soil after composting. And for families with children, chicks offer a meaningful introduction to animal care, responsibility, and the cycle of life.

Start Your Flock Today!

Chick season in New Hampshire is more than a farm supply trend — it’s a reflection of the state’s deep agricultural roots and growing interest in sustainability. Whether you’re looking to live more self-sufficiently, teach your kids where food comes from, or simply enjoy the daily antics of a small flock, this spring is the perfect time to start.

But as any chicken keeper will tell you — once you get a few, it’s hard not to get more.