What Happens to Extra Chicks After Hatch?

All of our chicks get homes, regardless of their gender. To reduce the number of extra chicks, Meyer Hatchery takes pre-orders so we can hatch the correct amount.

Any chicks that are not pre-sold go into assortments such as brown egg layers or the fry pan bargain; any additional extras go into our retail store and are sold as "bin chicks" at a greatly reduced rate. We also have our Meyer Meal Maker free chick program that many of our customers participate in to help their community. They receive a free extra chick for them to raise and donate their eggs or meat. In 2024, Meyer Hatchery rolled out the Homestead Helper program, where customers can opt to receive a free rooster for their homestead. Any others may be retained for our breeder flocks, we occasionally offer Started Roosters, and we work with wholesalers.