Delaware — Day-Old Chicks
Delaware — Day-Old Chicks
NPIP Certified Hatchery - License #51-770
- ~200 Eggs/Year
- Large–Jumbo Brown Eggs
- 18–20 Weeks to Lay
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📦 Learn how we carefully pack and ship your chicks →
The Delaware is a true American original — developed in the 1940s as the ideal dual-purpose farm bird, and still one of the best-kept secrets in backyard poultry. If you want a breed that lays prolifically, grows quickly, and is genuinely pleasant to be around, the Delaware delivers on all fronts.
Why backyard keepers love them:
- 🥚 Approximately 200 large–jumbo brown eggs per year — exceptional production for a heritage breed
- 🪶 Crisp white feathers with black barring on neck and tail — a clean, classic look that stands out in the yard
- 🐓 Friendly and calm — easy to handle, great for families and beginners
- ❄️ Cold-hardy and adaptable — handles a wide range of climates without fuss
- 🌿 True dual-purpose breed — fast-growing with excellent meat quality alongside strong egg production
What to expect from Chesapeake Hatchery chicks:
Our Delawares are selected from heritage stock for correct type, fast growth, and consistent laying. Marek's Disease vaccination is optional and is not included in the chick price. Select the vaccination add-on when ordering if you would like your chicks vaccinated. Chicks are backed by our live arrival guarantee. This is a rare breed — if you've been looking for a productive, friendly, and historically significant bird, the Delaware is it.
Weeks to first egg: 18–20 weeks
Egg size: Large–Jumbo
Egg color: Brown
A rare American heritage breed worth adding to any flock — reserve your spot today.
Breed specifications
Breed specifications
Production
Hens lay approximately 200 large–jumbo brown eggs per year. Actual output varies.
Maturity
Typically begins laying at 18–20 weeks. Timing varies by individual bird and growing conditions.
Temperament
Friendly and calm.
Appearance
White plumage with black barring on neck and tail.
Adaptability
Cold-hardy and adaptable with suitable shelter.
Chick care overview
Chick care overview
Brooder temperature: Start at 95°F for the first week, reducing by 5°F each week until fully feathered.
Food & water: Offer chick starter feed and fresh water immediately. Dip each chick's beak gently into the water on arrival to encourage drinking.
Hydration boost: We include hydration supplements in your shipment — add to water for the first 24–48 hours to help chicks recover from transit.
Space: Allow at least 0.5 sq ft per chick in the brooder for the first few weeks.
Watch for: Huddling under the heat source (too cold), panting or moving away from heat (too warm). Active, spread-out chicks are happy chicks.
For detailed care guides, visit our FAQs.
Shipping
Shipping
Your chicks ship in a USPS-approved live animal box designed specifically for safe poultry transport, complete with soft bedding, temperature control packing, and hydration supplements for the journey.
We take immeasurable care in every shipment — each box is packed with your flock's safe arrival as our top priority.
We ship USPS Priority Express only — the fastest available service, with live animal handling and typically overnight delivery.
LIVE CHICK SHIPPING
6–14 chicks — $44.95
15–25 chicks — $39.95 — BEST VALUE
26–50 chicks — $79.95
51–100 chicks — $99.95
Minimum shipped order: 6 chicks • Mix & match breeds
Order 15–25 chicks and receive our lowest live-chick shipping rate.
Local Pickup — Wednesdays in Maryland
No shipping fee · No minimum order
Live Arrival Guarantee
We stand behind every shipment. In the rare event that any chicks do not survive transit, you will receive a full refund for those chicks.
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Delaware — Day-Old Chicks
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The website is easy to navigate, making the ordering process simple and straightforward. The questionnaire is very helpful in guiding you toward selecting the right chicks for your needs. There is a wide variety of chicks to choose from, and they arrive healthy and become very active within just a few days of settling into their new home. Customer service is excellent, responsive, and willing to work with you to resolve any issues. Overall, I’m very happy with the entire experience, from start to finish, and would highly recommend them!