Raising backyard chickens is a fun and rewarding hobby. Whether you're doing it for fresh eggs, a more self-sufficient lifestyle, or just for the joy of having animals around, getting the right hens is the first step. But many beginners face one big question: Where can I find affordable laying hens for sale without losing quality?



The good news is — it’s very possible. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to start your backyard flock. But you also don’t want to end up with sick, unproductive, or poorly raised birds. This guide will help you find healthy, productive hens at a fair price — and avoid the mistakes many first-timers make.



In this easy-to-read article, we’ll explore where to buy, what to look for, how to save money, and how to make sure the hens you bring home are high-quality, even if you're on a budget. Let’s get started!



Why Choose Laying Hens for Your Backyard?

Before we dive into how to find affordable birds, it’s helpful to understand why laying hens are such a popular choice.



1. Fresh Eggs at Home

One healthy hen can lay 250 to 300 eggs per year. That’s a reliable source of fresh, healthy protein right from your backyard.



2. Cost-Effective Over Time

Once you have your coop and setup ready, hens are low-maintenance and cost-effective. They eat food scraps, provide manure for the garden, and reduce your grocery bill.



3. Easy for Beginners

Laying hens are some of the easiest animals to raise. They don’t need much space and quickly become part of the family.



What “Affordable” Really Means

When looking for affordable laying hens for sale, it’s important to understand that “cheap” doesn’t always mean “best.” The goal is to balance price with quality. You want hens that are:



Healthy and disease-free



Already of laying age or close to it



From a reliable source



Able to produce eggs consistently



Buying poor-quality birds might seem like a deal — until they get sick or never lay properly.



Where to Find Affordable, Quality Laying Hens

There are many places to find hens, but not all of them offer the same quality. Below are some of the most common (and trustworthy) options.



1. Reputable Online Hatcheries

Online hatcheries like Ayla Backyard Poultry specialize in raising and selling laying hens. They usually offer:



Specific breeds for egg-laying



Vaccinated and healthy birds



Delivery or local pickup



Support for first-time buyers



This is one of the safest ways to get birds that are both affordable and high-quality. You can also compare prices and read customer reviews before making your decision.



2. Local Farms and Poultry Breeders

If you want to see the birds in person, visit a local farm. Many small farms sell extra hens directly to customers. Benefits include:



Seeing the environment they were raised in



Talking to the farmer for tips



Possibly better prices with no shipping



However, not every local breeder follows best practices, so always inspect the birds and ask questions.



3. Backyard Poultry Groups (Online & Local)

Look for local chicken-keeping groups on Facebook or online forums. People often sell extra hens, and you might find great deals nearby. Just be careful:



Ask about age and health



Avoid birds with unknown histories



Make sure it’s legal to keep hens in your area



This is a good option if you’re looking for just a few birds to start with.



4. Farmers’ Markets

Sometimes small-scale farmers bring extra hens to sell at local markets. You can see the birds in person, ask about their care, and support local farming.



What to Look for in a High-Quality Laying Hen

When you’re looking for affordable laying hens for sale, you also need to know how to spot a good bird. Even if the price is low, don’t buy until you check the following:



1. Age of the Hen

Laying hens start producing eggs at around 5 to 6 months old. Ask about the hen’s age to make sure she’s either:



Already laying



Close to laying age



Avoid birds that are too young (chicks) unless you’re ready to wait months for eggs. Also, avoid hens that are too old, as their production will drop.



2. Breed Type

Not all chicken breeds are good layers. Some are raised for meat or show. Good egg-laying breeds include:



ISA Brown



Rhode Island Red



Australorp



Leghorn



Barred Rock



Golden Comet



These breeds are reliable, friendly, and lay plenty of eggs.



3. Health and Appearance

Healthy hens should have:



Bright, alert eyes



Clean feathers



Active behavior



No signs of limping, sneezing, or diarrhea



Check their comb (the red part on top of their head). A bright red comb is a sign of a healthy, productive hen.



4. Vaccinations

Ask if the hens are vaccinated against common poultry diseases. This is especially important if you're adding them to an existing flock.



Tips to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

1. Buy Pullets Instead of Chicks

Pullets are young hens just about to start laying. They cost more than baby chicks but less than fully mature hens — and you don’t have to wait long for eggs.



2. Buy in Small Groups

Many sellers offer discounts when you buy 3 or more birds. Start with 3 to 5 hens — it’s enough for a small family and gives you some price flexibility.



3. Shop During the Right Season

Spring and early summer are peak seasons for poultry sales. Prices may be lower because many farms have more birds available. Shopping off-season may limit your options or raise costs.



4. Skip Fancy Breeds

Heritage and ornamental breeds can be expensive. Focus on utility breeds that are bred specifically for laying.



5. DIY Your Coop and Supplies

If you're on a tight budget, build your own chicken coop from pallets or second-hand materials. Saving money on housing lets you spend a little more on better-quality birds.



Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Laying Hens

Even experienced chicken keepers sometimes make these common mistakes. Avoid them and save yourself time, money, and frustration.



❌ Buying from Unknown or Untrusted Sources

You may be tempted by a low price from someone selling online. But unless you know the seller is responsible, it’s risky. You might end up with sick birds or a breed you didn’t want.



❌ Not Asking the Right Questions

Before you buy, always ask:



What breed is this?



How old is the hen?



Has she started laying?



What has she been fed?



Has she had any health problems?



❌ Skipping Quarantine

If you're adding new hens to an existing flock, isolate them for at least 2 weeks. This helps prevent spreading diseases.



❌ Choosing Quantity Over Quality

It’s better to start with a few strong, healthy hens than a dozen cheap, low-quality ones. One good hen can lay more eggs than two poor layers.



Why Buying from a Trusted Supplier Matters

Affordable doesn’t mean you should settle for unhealthy birds. Reputable sellers like Ayla Backyard Poultry offer:



Fair prices



Healthy, vaccinated hens



Great beginner-friendly breeds



Honest advice and support



Buying from a farm that cares about its birds ensures you're getting quality birds that will thrive in your care.



What to Do After Bringing Your Hens Home

Once you’ve bought your hens, here’s what to do next:



✅ Set Up a Safe Space

Make sure your coop is ready:



Predator-proof fencing



Nesting boxes



Perches



Plenty of ventilation



✅ Feed Properly

Give your hens a good layer feed, along with:



Fresh water daily



Occasional treats like mealworms or vegetables



Grit for digestion



✅ Monitor Health

Watch your hens for signs of stress, illness, or injuries. Handle them gently, and keep their living area clean.



✅ Collect Eggs Daily

Once your hens start laying, collect eggs each day to keep them clean and safe. Store them properly and enjoy!



Final Thoughts

Finding affordable laying hens for sale without sacrificing quality is possible — you just need the right information and a little patience. Focus on reliable sources, healthy breeds, and smart shopping habits. Don’t let the price alone decide for you.



A few well-chosen hens will reward you with fresh eggs, fun backyard moments, and a great step toward self-sufficiency. Whether you're raising birds in the suburbs, countryside, or your own small homestead, starting with healthy, productive hens is the smartest choice.



Happy chicken keeping — and may your coop always be full of clucks and fresh eggs!