Baby chicks are a hot commodity at The Mill of Salisbury

SALISBURY, Md. – Backyard farming is booming and baby chicks have become a hot commodity at The Mill of Salisbury.

“This year people are going crazy for them, yesterday we answered phone calls all day long asking about chicks, when were we getting them,” said Chris McKinney who works at The Mill.

The Mill is having a hard time keeping the baby chicks in stock.

“Last week they sold out within ten minutes,” said McKinney.

Friday morning, some people were at the store hours before The Mill opened at 7:30, all to make sure they could take home some baby chicks.

“Three-and-a-half hours yesterday and then this morning I was here at six in the parking lot,” said Taylor Joseph.

And with the price of egg prices going up, the popularity of backyard farming and raising chickens appears to be on the rise.

“We have a flock already and we just wanted to add to them for better egg production and just for a hobby,” said Joseph.

“I’m buying more chickens for my flock,” said Holly Furbay. “I already have six hens and a rooster at home and I want to expand, I want a big farm, but starting with chickens and love taking care of them, the kids love taking care of them, they’re just fun to have.”

Furbay said raising chickens is also a rewarding experience.

“It is rewarding when they do lay the eggs and you’re actually eating food that you are growing and taking care of,” she said.

Just after 8 a.m., the nearly 100 chicks they had in stock, being sold at around 6 dollars each, were already sold out.

The Mill of Salisbury expects its next shipment of chicks to arrive next Thursday.