Thoughtful journeys
Plan an agreed arrival for your birds and prepare their new home ahead of time, with fewer unnecessary trips.
Delivery
Thoughtful delivery arrangements for Australian poultry keepers. Our estimated delivery window is 3–5 days after your order and delivery arrangements are confirmed, subject to destination availability and current movement requirements.
Buying Live Chickens Online
At Chicken Hatchery, the journey to a new home deserves just as much care as choosing the right birds. We help you plan for delivery, prepare suitable housing and understand what to expect when your flock arrives.
This page explains our delivery approach, the estimated arrival window and the practical steps to take before welcoming your birds.
Delivery is arranged subject to the animal welfare and biosecurity requirements that apply to the origin, destination and route. Where a movement restriction prevents a journey, delivery must be rescheduled.
Delivery
- Delivery is available for eligible Australian destinations, with the route and arrival date confirmed for each order.
- The welfare of your birds takes priority. Birds must be fit for the intended journey and travel in suitable containers.
- Transport arrangements need to account for space, ventilation, weather protection and appropriate handling.
- Provide complete delivery details and be ready to receive your birds at the agreed time.
- Any change affecting the route or the birds’ ability to travel must be resolved before delivery goes ahead.
Australian Delivery Arrangements
Delivery availability, arrangements and any applicable charge are confirmed before your order is finalised. Please check the arrangements for your destination rather than assuming that every area can be reached.
Australian welfare & biosecurity requirements
Australia’s animal welfare framework includes nationally endorsed Land Transport of Livestock standards and guidelines, with implementation through state and territory laws. Poultry movements must also meet the rules applying to the particular journey.
Local agriculture or biosecurity authorities may impose movement controls during disease outbreaks. These requirements take precedence over an estimated delivery date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health & arrival
Birds need to be healthy and fit for their intended journey before transport. Have a suitable home ready so that your chickens can settle into a calm, sheltered environment on arrival.
Check your birds and their carrier when they arrive. Have clean water, appropriate feed and secure housing ready, and allow time for them to settle.
If you are concerned about a bird on arrival, record what you observe and keep your order details. Seek veterinary advice promptly where needed.
Safety when travelling
Suitable cages or crates should provide room, ventilation, shade and shelter. Loading and handling need to take the birds’ condition and the weather into account, particularly during heat or humidity.
Journeys should minimise unnecessary handling and avoidable delays. Transport welfare requirements apply throughout the journey, not just at the point of arrival.
A disease-related movement restriction can change whether a route is available. Delivery must wait where the relevant authorities do not permit movement.
Read official poultry transport guidance
Choosing your birds
Review the breed, age, quantity and buying options on the product listing before choosing your birds. Natural differences in colour and markings mean that individual birds may vary from the photographs.
Think about the space you have, the flock you already keep and the care each breed needs. Our buying guide is a useful starting point for planning compatible birds.
Any particular preferences should be agreed before the order and delivery arrangements are confirmed.
Explore the chicken buying guide
Other reasons to have your hens delivered
Welfare & biosecurity
Suitable transport, careful handling and attention to current movement rules put the birds’ needs at the centre of the journey.
Convenient for you
An agreed delivery date helps you organise your time and be ready to welcome your flock when it arrives.
Expected Delivery
Wait Times
Estimated delivery: 3–5 days
The estimated delivery window starts once your order and delivery arrangements are confirmed. Your arrival date is confirmed for the particular route and destination.
This is the expected wait for delivery, not the time your birds spend in transit.
Bird availability, destination restrictions, weather or welfare concerns can affect the date. Where a journey cannot proceed safely or lawfully, a revised date is needed.
Please order when you are ready to receive your birds, with suitable housing, water and feed prepared for their arrival.
