Starter Pullet: Red Silkie

We are proud to offer more flexible and transparent options than the typical feed store or hatchery. Unlike industry standards, which often sell “pullets” with a >10% chance of being roosters and no returns, we provide several sexing choices to best fit your family’s needs.

1. Male (Roosters)

•A cost-effective option for those who welcome a rooster.

•Sold at a lower price point compared to females.

2. Unsexed (Straight Run)

•Chicks are sold without sexing.

•Expect a natural mix of males and females (up to 50% or more roosters).

•Recommended only for families prepared to manage potential roosters.

3. Female Coverage

•Our most popular option for families seeking hens, especially in areas with rooster restrictions.

•We use standard sexing methods where possible (accuracy ranges: as low as 50% for bantams, ~85-90% for most standard breeds, ~95% for auto-sexing breeds).

•If an accidental rooster is identified:

oText us your order number, breed, feather color of the female covered bird purchased that ended up being a rooster.

oWe provide a gift code to apply store credit equal to the original purchase price that may be used to place a new online order. For the store credit to be valid, the bird must be returned in perfect health the same day as new order pick up. Families often use their credit to order more birds or feed. It is common practice to order double the desired number of bantam breeds considering their higher risk of roosters.

oFamilies may also choose to keep the rooster and forfeit the credit.

•Our female coverage pricing reflects our ethical raising of the males left behind each female purchase—we do not cull day-old males.

4. DNA-Sexed Females

•For families wanting true sexing accuracy and peace of mind.

•DNA testing is the only method considered reliable.

•This option is significantly more expensive (typically 3x the cost of female coverage).

Important Notes

•Decision at Purchase: Sexing options must be chosen at the time of order and cannot be changed after fulfillment.

•Accuracy vs. Cost: Each family should balance the financial investment with the level of accuracy desired.

•Informed Choice: We provide detailed breed-specific information so families can make the best decision for their lifestyle.

Disclaimers

1.No Guarantee of Sexing Accuracy (Except DNA):

All non-DNA sexing methods are based on industry-standard practices and carry a known margin of error. Accuracy percentages provided are averages only and do not constitute a guarantee.

2.Store Credit in Place of Refunds:

In cases where a rooster is mistakenly identified under “Female Coverage,” compensation will be issued as store credit equal to the original purchase price. Cash refunds or exchanges are not provided.

3.Health Condition Requirement for Returns:

To qualify for store credit, any rooster returned under the “Female Coverage” option must be in good health, free from visible illness, parasites, or injury, missing feathers, and accompanied by proof of original purchase. Birds not meeting these conditions are ineligible for rehoming or credit.

4.Customer Responsibility for Local Ordinances:

It is the customer’s responsibility to verify compliance with all local laws, ordinances, and regulations regarding poultry ownership, particularly restrictions on roosters. We are not responsible for legal or neighborhood disputes arising from rooster ownership.

5.Final Sale Policy:

All orders are considered final once fulfilled. Sexing option selections cannot be changed or refunded after order completion.

Agreement to Terms

By completing a purchase, the customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions, including all disclaimers regarding sexing accuracy, store credit policies, and customer responsibilities.

Marek’s Disease is a viral infection in chickens that can cause tumors, paralysis, and even death. Deciding whether to vaccinate your flock can feel complicated. This guide is designed to help families weigh the pros and cons, consider flock goals, and recognize early signs of Marek’s versus other treatable conditions.

Should You Vaccinate?

Pros of Vaccinating

Protection from paralysis and death: Vaccinated birds rarely die of Marek’s.

Reduced visible outbreaks: Fewer sick birds within the flock.

Peace of mind: Especially valuable for families raising chickens as pets and prioritize survival over eradication of the disease.

Cons of Vaccinating

“Leaky” vaccine: Birds can become carriers for life even if symptoms are hidden and spread the virus to unvaccinated birds.

Masks natural resistance: Survivors in unvaccinated flocks build strong immunity; this benefit is lost in vaccinated-only flocks.

Ongoing dependency: New chicks will need vaccination if introduced into the flock later, or they will remain vulnerable.

Flock Goals & Typical Choices

Pets / Backyard Hobby: Early loss is emotionally difficult → Usually Vaccinate.

Egg Production (family use): Decision varies. Vaccinate to reduce layer loss, or avoid vaccination if preferring to maintain natural resistance.

Self-Sufficiency / Breeding Resilience: Value natural resistance → Often Do Not Vaccinate.

Breed Improvement & Health Integrity: Want genetics unmasked by vaccines → Often Do Not Vaccinate.

Breeding for Profit: Want maximum marketability and survivability → Usually Vaccinate.

Show / Exhibition Birds: Appearance and condition are critical → Usually Vaccinate.

Mixed or Small Hobby Flocks: Flexible; some vaccinate only new chicks or maintain separate lines.

Early Signs of Marek’s Disease

Watch for:

•Reduced activity / reluctance to move

•Ruffled feathers, poor grooming

•Loss of appetite / weight loss

•Pale combs and wattles

•Mild or intermittent lameness

•Paralysis (leg/wing droop) or “gray eye”

Tip: Gradual paralysis affecting multiple birds is a classic Marek’s sign. Sudden illness in just one bird often suggests another cause.

Common Conditions That Mimic Marek’s

Vitamin B2 Deficiency: Curled-toe paralysis in very young chicks; resolves quickly with supplements. Poultry feed is based on the ‘average’ bird. Some require a more individualize diet to thrive. More common in flocks in which too many treats are provided.

Vitamin E/Selenium Deficiency: Incoordination/tremors; corrected with nutrition. Poultry feed is based on the ‘average’ bird. Some require a more individualize diet to thrive. More common in flocks in which too many treats are provided.

Coccidiosis: Depression, bloody/watery droppings; treatable with anticoccidials. Common with pine shaving style brooders, wet runs, and overcrowded conditions.

Botulism: Flaccid paralysis, neck droop; rapid onset after toxin exposure. Occurs when they drink out of metal containers that contain rust.

Injury/Trauma: Isolated limping or wing droop in a single bird.

Feeding to much Garlic: Loose droppings or diarrhea, unusually smelly feces, decreased feed intake, Weight loss over several days, Lethargy or Weakness, Reduced activity or sluggish behavior, Chickens staying in one spot more than usual, Drop in egg production, Garlic-flavored eggs, which may be stronger than desired, Redness or mild swelling in the mouth or crop, Reluctance to eat hard feed.

Managing Different Flock Types

Vaccinated Flocks

•Vaccine must be given at day-old stage.

•Birds need ~7 days to develop immunity; they are vulnerable during this period.

•Do not mix with birds from multiple sources during the vulnerable window.

•Once immunity develops, expect very low Marek’s losses.

Unvaccinated Flocks

•Vigilant observation is critical.

•Isolate sick birds, maintain strict sanitation. Easier to detect and cull as needed.

•Survivors gain lifelong immunity and build genetic resistance.

Mixed Flocks

•If no exposure occurs, differences may never be seen.

•If vaccinated birds shed virus, unvaccinated newcomers may face high mortality.

•Consider keeping vaccinated and unvaccinated birds in separate housing at least 50’ away.

When in Doubt

•Isolate & Sanitize. When in doubt, isolate out! Always separate sick birds and clean equipment.

•Rule out treatable conditions first (coccidiosis, vitamin deficiencies) by providing common vitamin deficiency and coccidiosis treatment. Observe for improvement.

•Marek’s has no cure; supportive care and good nutrition may help survivors.

Nutrition & Stress Management

Strong nutrition and a calm, low-stress environment are essential whether your flock is vaccinated or not. Adequate space, enrichment, and fresh feed/water go a long way in preventing disease complications.

Disclosure Statement

By completing a purchase and accepting chicks at pickup, families acknowledge and agree that:

1.Vaccination is a personal decision based on flock goals and risk tolerance.

2.Regardless of vaccination status, families assume full responsibility for the current and future health of their chicks.

3.Marek’s disease and other illnesses carry inherent risks in poultry keeping, and no guarantee of survival is implied.

4.We provide information to assist decision-making but are not liable for future losses, illness, or health outcomes once chicks leave our care.

Select your preferred hatch date(s) with the following in mind:

•Order at least 1 similar-aged buddy per order.

•If ordering multiple age groups, ensure your setup supports the needs of each group.

•Availability and breed-specific ages are listed on our availability page.

Chicks (1 Day – 4 Weeks Old)

Orders fulfilled with chicks ranging newborn to 4 weeks old based on the already hatched date you select. Chicks up to 7 days apart in age can share a brooder safely. When mixing bantams and standard breeds together, it is best for the bantam to be the same age up to 7 days older than standards based on size differences.

Temperature guidelines:

0–1 week: 95°F

1–2 weeks: 90°F

2–3 weeks: 85°F

3–4 weeks: 80°F

Our digital thermostat brooders simplify temperature management.

Pre-Ordered Chicks:

Age differences of up to a week may occur when pre-ordering multiple breeds.

DNA-sexed chicks will likely be 1–2 weeks old at pick up once lab results are completed.

Starter Pullets (5 – 15 Weeks Old)

Ideal temperatures: 65°F – 70°F, but pullets can acclimate to colder conditions.

Recommend separate coop & run until at least 3 months old or equal size when integrating with existing hens.

Outside acclimation by age:

5–7 weeks: above 60°F

8–10 weeks: above 50°F

11–15 weeks: above 40°F

Colorado Seasonal Guide (Based on Average Day/Night Temps):

April: Safe outside above 60°F; <11 weeks stay in heated coop at night

May: Safe outside above 60°F; <8 weeks stay in heated coop at night

June – August: Safe outside fulltime above 60°F

Sept: Safe outside above 60°F; <8 weeks in heated coop at night

Oct: Safe outside above 60°F; <11 weeks in heated coop at night

Nov: Safe outside above 50°F; <16 weeks in heated coop at night

Dec – Feb: Safe outside above 40°F; <16 weeks in heated coop at night

March: Safe outside above 50°F; <16 weeks in heated coop at night

Integration Tips:

Introduce starter pullets to full-sized hens at 3+ months. Add multiple new pullets at once for easier flock adjustment. Roosting new members at night once existing flock members are sleeping is the smoothest integration method in our experience.

Hens (4+ Months Old)

Provide ample space, predator protection, and opportunities for natural behaviors.

Roost bars: ≥9 inches per hen

Nesting boxes: 1 per 3 hens

Run space: ≥10 sq ft per bird

Extra run space reduces cleaning frequency and stress.

Free-range or movable runs improve welfare.

Feed: ~1 lb/day; never run out of food, grit, or oyster shells.

Gravity-fed feeders/waterers: ≥1 feeder port per 4 birds; clean water is essential.

Disclosure Statement

By placing an order, you acknowledge and agree that:

Customer Responsibility: Once chicks, pullets, or hens leave our care, the customer assumes full responsibility for their current and future health, welfare, and safety.

Hatch Date Selection: Selecting a hatch date does not guarantee exact age for pre-orders and DNA-sexed chicks which may experience delays based on DNA lab processing or hatch availability.

Temperature & Acclimation: Families are responsible for providing age-appropriate brooder, coop, and outdoor conditions, following the temperature and acclimation guidelines provided.

Colorado Law Compliance: All sales are final unless otherwise stated. No cash refunds are provided; store credit may be issued in accordance with our standard business policies and Colorado law.

Information Accuracy: We provide recommended temperature, housing, and care guidelines to help reduce risk, but survival, growth, and development depend on the customer’s adherence to proper care and their own research on best practices to incorporate.

 Prorated Female Life Insurance

To help reduce the financial loss of unexpected chick death due to predator attack, pet-sitter mishap, illness, birth defect, or accident, we offer complimentary prorated life insurance for all birds purchased as female coverage or DNA sexed female.

Eligibility

•Requires a minimum of (2) female chicks of similar age per order, since chickens it is in the best interest of chicken health to integrate with a similar-aged companion.

•Coverage applies only to female chicks. Male and unsexed chicks are not eligible.

Coverage Schedule (From Time of Pickup to Text of Photo Loss)

•< 24 hours: 100% store credit of original purchase price

•< 48 hours: 75% store credit

•< 72 hours: 50% store credit

•< 10 days: 20% store credit

Extended Coverage: If purchased with our Complete Flock Starter Kit (includes organic feed & brooder), prorated insurance extends to 30 days, offering 20% store credit for losses reported between Day 10 and Day 30.

How to File a Claim

•Text a photo of the deceased chick to 303-359-9484.

•Include: suspected cause of death, breed, and either your order number or the first and last name on the order.

•Credit is issued as store credit only. No cash refunds.

Important Exclusions

•Coverage does not apply to male or unsexed chicks, as these are already discounted.

•Insurance does not cover veterinary costs or medical expenses you may choose to incur.

•The sole purpose of this program is to provide limited financial relief in the event of a chick loss.

Disclosure Statement

By completing a purchase and accepting your order at pickup, you acknowledge and agree that:

1.You assume full responsibility for the current and future health of all chicks in your care.

2.Complimentary life insurance applies only as described above and is limited to store credit.

3.We are not liable for future health issues, illnesses, accidents, or losses outside of the prorated coverage terms.

4.Vaccination, ongoing care, and veterinary decisions remain solely the responsibility of the family.

By placing an order on www.serenitysprouts.com you agree to abide by and stated Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully as there are no exceptions. View our full terms and conditions at check out or on our About Us page.