If you’re planning to raise chickens for eggs, the first thing you’ll want to know is where to buy quality egg laying hens that are healthy, productive, and perfect for your backyard or homestead. Buying the right hens can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration in the long run. Whether you're new to chicken keeping or expanding your flock, this guide will help you understand what to look for, which breeds to consider, and how to find trusted sellers who provide strong, high-yield layers. Many poultry lovers turn to trusted sources like Ayla Backyard Poultry when searching for dependable hens for egg production.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying top-quality laying hens—from choosing the right breeds to finding the best places to shop, both locally and online.
Raising your own laying hens is a great way to have a constant supply of fresh, nutritious eggs. It’s also a fun and rewarding hobby that teaches responsibility, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. But your success depends heavily on the quality of the hens you buy.
Benefits of owning egg-laying hens:
Fresh Eggs Every Day: You’ll always have access to clean, chemical-free eggs.
Cost Savings: Once hens start laying, you’ll save money on store-bought eggs.
Sustainable Living: Chickens help reduce food waste and produce natural fertilizer.
Great Pets: Many hens are friendly, curious, and love interacting with their keepers.
But remember—these benefits only come when you start with healthy birds that are bred and raised the right way.
A quality egg-laying hen is more than just a bird that lays eggs. It’s a healthy, well-raised chicken that will thrive in your environment and produce consistently. Here's what makes a laying hen high-quality:
Health and Immunity
Free from diseases or parasites
Clear eyes, smooth feathers, clean nostrils
Vaccinated and raised in clean environments
Good Genetics
Comes from a strong, high-yielding bloodline
Known for consistent laying
Proper Age
Best time to buy is at point-of-lay (about 16–20 weeks old)
Friendly Temperament
Calm, non-aggressive breeds are easier to manage
There are dozens of chicken breeds, but only a few are truly reliable for daily egg production. Here are some of the most popular and productive breeds to consider:
Eggs per year: 300–350
Egg color: Brown
Temperament: Friendly, docile
A top choice for beginners due to their reliable egg-laying.
Eggs per year: 250–300
Egg color: Brown
Temperament: Hardy, independent
Great for colder climates and low-maintenance environments.
Eggs per year: 280–320
Egg color: White
Temperament: Active, alert
A favorite among commercial farmers for high production.
Eggs per year: 250–300
Egg color: Brown
Temperament: Gentle, calm
Known for their calm nature and stunning black feathers.
Eggs per year: 280–320
Egg color: Brown
Temperament: Sweet, energetic
Starts laying early and is very beginner-friendly.
Now that you know what makes a great hen and which breeds to look for, the next step is knowing where to find them. There are several places where you can buy quality egg laying hens—each with its own pros and cons.
Online sellers like Ayla Backyard Poultry specialize in raising healthy, farm-quality hens and shipping them across the country. These websites offer multiple breeds and detailed info about the age, size, and laying potential of the hens.
Benefits:
Wide selection of breeds
Shipped directly to your home
Transparent details about each hen
Great for people who don’t live near local farms
Buying directly from a local farm can be a great way to see the hens in person before purchasing. You can check how the birds are raised and even ask questions about their care.
Benefits:
Hands-on inspection of hens
Support local agriculture
No shipping stress for birds
Tips:
Always ask to see the coop and living conditions
Check that the birds are active and healthy
Look for farms with good reviews or local recommendations
In spring and summer, local feed stores often sell young chicks or pullets. Some work with trustworthy hatcheries to supply healthy birds.
Benefits:
Convenient if you’re already buying supplies
Often cheaper than specialty breeders
Good for spur-of-the-moment purchases
Downsides:
Limited breed options
May not provide vaccination or health history
Sometimes, local hobby farmers will sell their extra pullets or laying hens. These can be great deals, but always be cautious and ask about health and care history.
No matter where you shop, look for these signs to ensure you’re buying from someone reputable:
Clean living conditions for birds
Honest and detailed information about each bird
Willing to answer your questions
Offers vaccination or health records
Positive reviews or testimonials from other buyers
Offers a return or replacement policy for sick or injured birds
When shopping for hens, make sure to look closely at their appearance and behavior. A healthy hen should:
Be alert and curious
Have clean, bright eyes
Have smooth, glossy feathers
Show no signs of coughing or sneezing
Walk and stand without limping
Have a red, full comb (a sign of good health and maturity)
Avoid birds that are too thin, have pale combs, or look weak or tired.
Prices can vary based on breed, age, and seller. On average:
Chicks (1 day old): $2–$5
Pullets (6–12 weeks old): $10–$20
Point-of-Lay Hens (16–20 weeks): $25–$50
Mature Laying Hens: $30–$60
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember—quality hens are an investment. Paying a little more upfront can mean better egg production and fewer health problems down the road.
Once you’ve found your birds, it’s time to get their new home ready. Hens need a safe, comfortable space where they can eat, sleep, and lay their eggs.
Chicken Coop
Clean, dry, and secure from predators
3–4 square feet per hen
Nesting Boxes
1 box for every 3–4 hens
Line with straw or shavings
Roosting Bars
Hens sleep off the ground—install a few sturdy bars
Feeder and Waterer
Keep clean and filled daily
Run or Outdoor Space
Let your hens roam and forage in a protected area
Dust Bath Area
A mix of dirt, ash, and sand helps them stay clean
After you bring your hens home:
Keep them in the coop for the first 1–2 days to adjust
Watch their behavior and health closely
Offer clean water and starter feed
Keep things quiet and calm to reduce stress
In about a week or two, they should feel at home. Egg laying typically begins within 2–4 weeks for point-of-lay hens.
Want to make the most of your investment? Follow these tips to keep your hens happy and productive:
Feed high-quality layer feed with 16–18% protein
Provide clean water at all times
Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells for calcium
Let them free-range (safely) for added nutrition and activity
Protect from stress (loud noises, predators, overcrowding)
Clean the coop weekly to avoid diseases
Use artificial lighting in winter to keep production steady
If you're new to raising hens, watch out for these beginner mistakes:
Overcrowding: Leads to stress, pecking, and illness.
Buying from unknown sources: Risk of poor health and low egg production.
Skipping health checks: Always inspect birds before buying.
Neglecting proper food or water: Reduces laying rates and can cause illness.
Not checking local laws: Some areas don’t allow backyard hens or have limits.
If you're searching for the best place to buy quality egg laying hens, you’re on the right track to becoming a successful backyard chicken keeper. Choosing the right hens from trusted sources ensures you’ll enjoy fresh eggs, healthy birds, and a positive experience. Whether you’re buying from a local farm or a reputable online store like Ayla Backyard Poultry, make sure to do your research, ask questions, and prepare your space in advance.
With the right approach, your new hens will quickly become a valuable part of your homestead—bringing daily eggs, natural fertilizer, and a lot of joy.