Can't argue with Patty's answers. I have also had good luck with Murray McMurray (1-800-456-3280,(posted 9667 days ago). But be aware of this: if you order from any mail order co, you will need a minimum of 25 chicks. Not because they want your last dollar, but because there is a minimum number to keep themselves warm as they travel to you. I suggest you check out your local feed stores and see what their plans are. I have one that orders a couple of hundred every 2 weeks in the spring and sells them quite reasonably. Another is even better, they ask for your order (no upfront money unless you look overly shifty or citified) and when the chicks come in on the specified date, you pick them up. Either way, no minimum order. And the second place sells pullet layers for @ $1, depending upon the size of your order, and @ 70 cents for the meat birds. Unless you plan to sell fertile eggs, or hatch your own chicks, I'd opt for just pullets, and unless you intend to keep more than your family in eggs, you will only need 6 to 12 chickens, depending upon your personal comsumption. Good Luck! Brad