Where to Buy Baby Chicks in Maryland (2027 Update)

By Chad Sims, founder, Chesapeake Farm & Hatchery, Preston, MD

If you want baby chicks in Maryland for the 2027 season, you have a few options: farm supply stores in the spring, online hatcheries that ship from out of state, and local hatcheries. Here is how they compare, and what to look for.

Your options for buying chicks in Maryland

• Farm supply stores: convenient in spring, but breed choice is usually limited and varies by store.
• Out-of-state hatcheries: large selection, but chicks can spend two or more days in the mail.
• A local Maryland hatchery: a short trip for shipped chicks, or no shipping at all if you pick up.

Why buy from a local Maryland hatchery

Shorter travel, less stress. Shipped chicks from Preston usually reach Maryland addresses quickly, and local pickup means no shipping at all.

Breeds that suit Maryland. Our breeds are chosen to handle humid summers and cold, wet winters.

Real answers. You can call us with questions before and after your chicks come home.

Chesapeake Farm & Hatchery, Preston, MD

We hatch day-old chicks weekly through the season, along with started pullets and hatching eggs. You can mix and match breeds in one order and pick your hatch date at checkout. Shipped orders need at least 6 chicks. Local pickup in Preston has no minimum.

Shop day-old chicks → · Shop started pullets → · Local pickup information · Baby chicks for sale in Maryland

Popular breeds for Maryland backyards

• Rhode Island Red: tough, productive brown-egg layers
• Buff Orpington: gentle and family-friendly
• Barred Plymouth Rock: hardy in heat and cold
• Black Australorp: calm, quiet and productive
• Cream Legbar: blue eggs, and auto-sexing chicks
• French Black Copper Marans: dark chocolate eggs
• White Leghorn: lots of white eggs
• Golden Laced Wyandotte: cold-hardy and beautiful
• Lavender Orpington: soft lavender color and a sweet temperament

New to chickens? See our guide to the best beginner-friendly chicken breeds for 2027.

Ordering for 2027

2027 orders open November 1, 2026, and our first hatch is scheduled for February 23, 2027. Spring hatch dates fill first, so order early if you want chicks in March or April.

Before you bring your chicks home

Have your brooder set up and warm before pickup or delivery. See How to set up a brooder for baby chicks.

Thank you for supporting a Maryland hatchery.
Chad Sims, founder