Update 9/9/2026: I just called the city clerk who referred me to the code enforce at 732-439-9916 today and confirmed that we can have as many chicken as we want just no roosters. Fantastico!
No plans yet. Not even sure if I'm allowed in this township. But just writing down the info I've learned:
Apparently, Tractor Supply Co. has chick days (Feb-March) but you get more selection online year round.
For South Amboy, 08879. Just want quiet but big egg layer breed:
The closest Tractor Supply store to South Amboy, 08879 is located in Monroe Township, just an 18-minute drive away. [1]
Here is the store's contact information to check their exact delivery days and live breed availability: [1]
- Address: 1976 Englishtown Rd, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
- Phone: +1 732-605-7873
- Hours: Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM [1]
Recommended Quiet, Large Egg-Laying Breeds
While all hens make some noise (especially their post-laying "egg song"), these specific heavy breeds are widely celebrated by backyard keepers for their calm, sweet demeanor and consistent output of large eggs: [1, 2, 3]
- Australorp:
- Buff Orpington:
- Barred Plymouth Rock:
- Brahma:
Google AI question: If you are planning your coop setup, let me know if you need recommendations on flock size or cold-hardy winter prep for these specific heavy breeds.
Is tractor supply store the only supply of chicks around me?
No, Tractor Supply is not your only option around South Amboy. You have access to local breeding farms, specialized feed stores, and online commercial hatcheries that deliver right to your local post office.
Because you are specifically looking for a quiet, heavy egg-laying breed (like an Australorp or Buff Orpington), these alternatives give you much more control over getting exactly what you want:
1. Local Farms & Specialized Breeders (Closest Options)
Purchasing from a local farm allows you to ask questions about the exact temperament of the parent flock.
Marlboro Meadows Farm
Morganville, NJ Directions Website
Located just a 17-minute drive from you. They hatch freshly incubated baby chicks directly on-site and raise their birds on a pasture-based, organic, non-GMO diet. They also frequently offer older pullets if you want to skip the high-maintenance fragile chick stage. You can call them at (732) 607-4422 to check their current hatching schedule. [1, 2, 3]
Jersey Chickens
Poultry farm
New Egypt, NJ Directions Website
A bit further south, but they specialize entirely in backyard poultry and carry a massive, year-round rotation of specific breeds including Buff Orpingtons and Brahmas. They put out fresh inventory updates every Friday for local pickup. [1, 2]
2. Independent Feed & Livestock Supply Stores
Local family-owned feed stores are an excellent alternative to Tractor Supply. They often partner directly with regional hatcheries to bring in seasonal baby chicks and usually have very knowledgeable staff.
Hemlock Hill Farm
Animal feed store
Colts Neck, NJ Directions
About a 24-minute drive away, this long-standing independent farm supply store carries a robust inventory of chicken feed, coops, and livestock supplies. [1]
Nischwitz & Co.
Heating oil supplier
South Plainfield, NJ Directions Website
A highly rated independent livestock feed and pet supply center located roughly 20–25 minutes away. [1]
3. Mail-Order Hatcheries (Direct to Your Post Office)
If you want guaranteed sexed females (so you don't accidentally end up with a loud rooster) of a specific breed like the Black Australorp, ordering from an online hatchery is highly reliable.
- How it works: Establishments like Valley Hatchery ship baby chicks safely across New Jersey via USPS Priority Mail. The chicks are held securely at your local South Amboy post office, and the postal workers will call you early in the morning the second they arrive so you can pick them up safely. They offer a 100% live arrival guarantee and let you mix and match specific quiet egg-laying breeds in small orders. [1, 2]
Google AI question: Would you prefer to start with day-old baby chicks that require a heat lamp brooder, or are you interested in started pullets (older juvenile hens) that can go straight into an outdoor coop?