Have you ever thought about collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard every morning? Many people are now choosing to raise their own chickens for a steady and healthy supply of eggs. One of the easiest and most popular ways to begin is to buy laying hens online from trusted farms. It’s a great way to ensure that your hens are already at the right age to start laying eggs, and it saves you from the uncertainty of raising chicks from scratch.



In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about buying laying hens online, how to choose the right breeds, what to expect when your hens arrive, and how to care for them properly. If you’re looking for a reliable source, stores like Ayla Backyard Poultry offer high-quality, farm-raised hens perfect for any home setup.



Why Buy Laying Hens Online?

Thanks to modern shipping methods and farm-to-door services, it’s easier than ever to order healthy, ready-to-lay hens without leaving your house. Here are a few good reasons why buying online is a smart idea:



Convenience: You can choose your favorite breeds and order them with just a few clicks.



Save Time: Skip the long process of raising chicks and get hens that are already laying or just about to start.



Reliable Farms: Many reputable sellers offer vaccinated, well-raised hens.



Expert Support: Good online sellers often provide guidance and care tips with your order.



When you buy laying hens online, you’re investing in both fresh food and a fun backyard hobby.



Benefits of Raising Laying Hens at Home

Raising your own chickens may seem like a big step, but it comes with many benefits that can improve your lifestyle and save money over time.



1. Fresh Eggs Every Day

Having a few hens in your backyard means fresh, chemical-free eggs every morning. You’ll know exactly what your chickens eat and how they’re cared for.



2. Healthier Living

Backyard eggs are often richer in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. Plus, you avoid hormones or additives that may be found in store-bought eggs.



3. Lower Grocery Bills

Egg prices can fluctuate in stores. With your own hens, you have a steady supply at home, which cuts down on trips to the grocery store.



4. Fun and Relaxing Hobby

Raising chickens can be calming and enjoyable. Many people find that watching and interacting with their hens is a relaxing part of daily life.



5. Good for Kids

Kids love animals, and hens can be a great way to teach children responsibility, food awareness, and even biology.



How Many Hens Should You Start With?

A good number for beginners is 3 to 6 hens. This provides enough eggs for a small family and keeps things simple. Here’s a quick guide:



3 hens = About 12 to 18 eggs per week



5 hens = Around 20 to 30 eggs per week



6+ hens = Great for sharing with neighbors or selling extra eggs



Just remember, each hen needs about 3–4 square feet inside the coop and around 8–10 square feet in the run area for roaming.



Best Laying Hen Breeds for Beginners

When you buy laying hens, it’s important to choose breeds that are friendly, productive, and easy to care for. Here are a few top choices for new chicken keepers:



1. ISA Brown

Lays up to 300 eggs per year



Very calm and friendly



Great with children



2. Rhode Island Red

Lays around 250–300 eggs annually



Hardy and good for all climates



Active and social



3. Australorp

Lays up to 250 eggs per year



Beautiful black feathers with green shine



Quiet and gentle



4. Golden Comet

Lays 280–300 eggs yearly



Easygoing and low maintenance



Early layers, ideal for egg production



5. Leghorn

Lays 280–320 white eggs each year



Very productive, though more active



Great for warm climates



These breeds are not only great egg layers, but they’re also popular because of their friendly behavior and adaptability to different backyard environments.



What to Expect When You Buy Laying Hens Online

Once you place your order, you’ll typically receive pullets (young hens about 16–20 weeks old) or point-of-lay hens (about to start laying). Here’s what happens next:



Confirmation Email: The seller will confirm your order and shipping details.



Health Check: Hens are inspected, vaccinated (if necessary), and safely boxed.



Shipping: Birds are shipped quickly to avoid stress and ensure health upon arrival.



Pickup or Delivery: Depending on your location, you may pick up the hens or have them delivered to your door.



Important Tip: Always prepare your coop before the hens arrive so they have a safe and comfortable place to settle in.



Setting Up the Perfect Coop

Your hens will need a clean, dry, and secure space to thrive. Here’s what to include:



Coop: Shelter with good ventilation, protection from weather, and nesting boxes.



Run: A fenced outdoor area for exercise and foraging.



Nesting Boxes: One box for every 3–4 hens, filled with straw or shavings.



Perches: Chickens love to sleep off the ground—add wooden perches inside the coop.



Feeder & Waterer: Make sure hens always have access to clean food and water.



You can build your own coop or buy a ready-made one online. Make sure it’s easy to clean and big enough for the number of hens you plan to keep.



Feeding and Caring for Your Hens

Laying hens need a nutritious diet to stay healthy and produce high-quality eggs.



Feed:

Choose layer pellets or crumble with at least 16% protein and added calcium.



You can also feed them kitchen scraps (vegetables, rice, bread) in moderation.



Provide crushed oyster shells for stronger eggshells.



Water:

Always keep clean water available.



In winter, use heated waterers to prevent freezing.



Daily Care Tasks:

Refill food and water



Collect eggs



Clean any messes



Observe hens for signs of illness



Backyard chickens are fairly low-maintenance. Once you get into the routine, it only takes a few minutes a day to care for them.



Common Questions First-Time Chicken Keepers Ask

1. How long before hens start laying?

Most hens begin laying around 18–24 weeks of age. Some breeds may start earlier.



2. How many eggs will I get?

It depends on the breed, age, season, and diet. Healthy hens can lay 4–6 eggs per week each.



3. Do hens need a rooster to lay eggs?

No! Hens lay eggs with or without a rooster. You only need a rooster if you want to hatch chicks.



4. Are backyard hens noisy?

Most laying hens are fairly quiet, especially compared to roosters. They may cluck softly, especially after laying eggs.



5. Is it legal to keep hens in my area?

Check your local city or county laws. Some places limit the number of hens or ban roosters but allow hens for personal egg use.



Why Buy Laying Hens Instead of Chicks?

Raising chicks from hatchlings is fun but takes a lot of time and effort. You must:



Keep them under a heat lamp for weeks



Feed them chick starter



Wait 5–6 months for eggs



By buying ready-to-lay hens:



You skip the waiting period



No need for special equipment



Instant egg production (or within weeks)



This is why many beginners prefer to buy laying hens from reliable online sources—it’s faster, easier, and more predictable.



What to Look for in a Reliable Seller

When shopping online, make sure to choose a seller that:



Specializes in laying hens



Offers vaccinated, healthy birds



Provides customer support



Has positive reviews or testimonials



Shares information about the breed, age, and care instructions



Ayla Backyard Poultry is a well-known source that offers a wide variety of high-quality hens, raised on clean, healthy farms. Their birds are perfect for anyone starting a backyard flock and looking for top-notch layers.



Final Thoughts

Starting your own backyard egg supply is easier than you think. With the right setup and some basic care, your hens will reward you with fresh, nutritious eggs for years to come. The best way to jump-start your journey is to buy laying hens online from trusted poultry farms.



You don’t need a big farm or special skills. Just a small backyard, a cozy coop, and a little love for animals are enough. It’s a fun, rewarding, and healthy step toward self-sufficiency.



Whether you’re feeding your family, teaching your kids, or just trying something new, laying hens are a great addition to any home.