If you’re looking to quickly start getting eggs from your backyard flock, purchasing started pullets from Meyer Hatchery can be an excellent option. Unlike purchasing and raising day-old chicks, Meyer Hatchery’s started pullets are between 16-20 weeks old and are already fully feathered and ready to start producing eggs. If you wish to skip the brooder stage, we offer two options for obtaining started pullets: pick-up and shipping.

Shipping by Overnight Mail

On rare occasions, we offer shipping for select breeds of started pullets. However, please keep in mind that shipping live birds via the US Postal System is a costly option due to the charges incurred for shipping live birds by USPS. Each bird is carefully packed in a specially designed box that allows ventilation but has air filters to protect the birds and everyone who comes in contact with them along the route. To ensure that the birds have adequate hydration for their overnight trip, a small amount of GroGel is added to the box floor. Only one bird is placed per box.

The shipping cost for each bird varies depending on the number of birds being shipped and the distance they will travel. For an accurate shipping estimate, check out our website or contact us with your location and the number of birds you’d like to purchase.

Pick-up Option

The majority of our started pullets are picked up by their new owners from our retail store in Polk, Ohio. Started pullet pickup days at the hatchery are exciting.  With so many people choosing this option, the staff developed a routine for picking up your pullets to help the process run as smoothly as possible. 

Order In Advance

When you place your pre-order for started pullets, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a specific day, time, and location for pick-up. These details are not adjustable since the pullets are typically brought over to the retail location from our grow-out barns. The pullets are held in rolling, stacking cages temporarily while they wait for their new owners to arrive. Please note that you’ll need to bring your own cages for transport.

Pick Up Day

On your designated pick-up day, check in with the store staff. They will confirm your order with you and communicate with the pullet handlers that you have arrived to collect your birds. The store staff will instruct you on where to proceed for pick up. Often, the pullet pickup spot is right outside of the retail store in a nearby barn or from one of our box trucks in the parking lot. The details of each pick-up day may change depending on the number of people expected to pick up birds, the time of year and weather conditions, and other factors happening on the grounds that must also be coordinated with the pullet pickup event.

When you arrive at the pullet pick-up spot, check in with a handler and give your name. He or she will confirm the number of pullets you are receiving. Present your cage(s), and the handlers will typically load each pullet into the cages for you. Verify before you leave the site that you have the number and breed of started pullet that you ordered. Then you are on your way to having fresh eggs from your new started pullets!

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about how started pullets are packed for shipping and what to expect if you plan to pick some up in person at the hatchery.