Purchasing Birds
Birds are released in structured availability windows throughout the season. This page explains how purchasing works, what life stages are offered, and how to receive first access when order windows open.
How Purchasing Works
Birds are offered in small, intentional groups throughout the year, based on season and development.
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When availability opens, you’ll see:
• Which breeds are offered
• The life stage of each group
• Expected timing for pickup or shipping
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Availability reflects where birds truly are in their growth. Release timing is guided by the birds themselves, not a preset calendar.
Get First Access
– Join the Cross B Flock
Availability windows and bird releases are announced first to members of the Cross B Flock.
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Subscribers receive early notice when order windows open, along with details about breeds, life stages, and pickup timing. For certain releases, individual birds are photographed and listed so buyers can see exactly what is available before reserving.
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Public announcements are shared only after the Cross B Flock has had first access.
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Join the Cross B Flock below to receive first access when availability opens.
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Which Life Stage Fits Your Needs
We sell poultry at different life stages, depending on your goals, experience, and how you plan to build your flock.
Hatching Eggs
Typical Window: March - June
Hatching eggs are best suited for those who enjoy starting from the beginning and are comfortable working with natural variation.
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• Provides access to a broader range of genetic variation
• Hatch rates vary, even under proper incubation conditions
• Sex cannot be guaranteed at hatch
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Availability is seasonal and influenced by flock production, fertility, and weather conditions that impact both laying and safe shipping.
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Release windows are announced in advance through the Cross B Flock.
Chicks
Typical Window: April - July
A good option for those who want to raise birds themselves without incubating.
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• Offered as straight run unless otherwise noted
• Sexed availability varies by breed and hatch
• Requires appropriate brooder setup and attentive early management
Availability is seasonal and influenced by hatch timing, brooder capacity, and weather conditions that affect safe handling and transport.
Release windows are announced in advance through the Cross B Flock.
Started Pullets
Typical Window: November - February
Ideal for those looking to add laying hens without the uncertainty of straight-run birds.
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• Sexed females raised to a reliable pre-lay stage
• Higher cost reflects the time, feed, and management required to reach this stage
• A practical option for building a laying flock efficiently
Availability reflects flock development, housing capacity, and weather conditions that impact safe transition.
Release windows are announced first through the Cross B Flock.
Cockerels
Typical Window: November - February
Cockerels are offered in limited numbers as part of structured flock management.
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• Raised alongside pullet groups to a steady juvenile stage
• May be suited for breeding programs, flock balance, or meat production
• Temperament and structure vary by individual and breed
Availability reflects flock composition and seasonal housing capacity.
Release windows are announced first through the Cross B Flock.
Mature Birds
Typical Window: June - September (limited release)
Well-suited for those looking to add established birds to a flock or begin with stock that is already mature.
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• Fully developed, allowing buyers to see structure, size, and laying ability
• May include former breeders, reserve birds, or hens transitioning from the laying flock
• Age ranges may vary, typically from one to five years
Availability is extremely limited and reflects structured flock adjustments throughout the season.
Release windows are announced first through the Cross B Flock.
Life stage choices come down to timing, capacity, and what makes sense for your household right now.
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When birds are offered, details are shared clearly so you can decide whether what’s available aligns with where you are — without guesswork or pressure.
What to Expect When Purchasing
— Clear communication about availability, release windows, and pickup timing
— Early notice of bird releases through the Cross B Flock email list
— Honest representation of each group before release
— Straightforward guidance on what will and won’t work for your flock