Hot Chicks in Billings

You didn't think this blog was going to be about the beautiful women of Billings, did you? That would be sexist and inappropriate. We're talking about baby chickens, silly. They are a hot commodity around town as egg prices continue to rise and people become concerned about our food supply during the coronavirus and an uncertain economy.

According to this KTVQ story, Shipton's stores have been selling out their 300 weekly chick shipments, since they started offering the baby birds in late February. When I called Shipton's West End location today (4/21) they were currently out and are getting their final shipment for the year on Thursday.  Tractor Supply in Laurel was also out of baby chicks this week (they still had baby turkeys), but they are getting another shipment of chicks this week and they plan to carry them through May.

Chickens are relatively easy to care for and will generally start laying eggs in about 6 months.��Here's a great introduction from the Modern Farmer called Raising Backyard Chickens for Dummies. The City of Billings does allow chickens in city limits, with some rules. First, you'll need to pay the $25 permit to the city. You can have up to six female chickens - no roosters! There are 12 other city rules regarding chickens, including no slaughtering them in public view or keeping your chickens in the front yard.