HEALDSBURG, CA — Spring announced itself with a soft chorus of peeps inside Garrett Ace Hardware, where dozens of fluffy yellow and white chicks drew customers stopped passersby in their tracks.
The store stocked the chicks in April, pricing them at $6.99 each, and by last weekend, a few dozen still remained. The scene mixed purpose and delight: some visitors planned backyard flocks, while others simply lingered, smiling at the small, restless clusters under warm lights.
Not every hardware store carries live poultry, but Garrett Ace leaned into the season. Employees fielded questions, refilled bedding, and watched as families debated breeds and commitment levels.
"What are they for?" asked a customer.
"Chickens," a clerk replied.
Chicks, fragile but fast-growing, transform quickly. Within six weeks, many develop feathers and begin to resemble small hens. They require steady heat in their early days—typically around 95 degrees Fahrenheit—and constant access to water and starter feed. Despite their delicate size, they imprint easily, often recognizing human voices and routines within days.
For longtime residents, the sight felt familiar, even if irregular. For newcomers, it offered a glimpse into Sonoma County’s agricultural rhythms—compressed into a brooder box near the info booth.
For a few weeks each spring, the chicks turn a hardware run into something closer to a seasonal ritual.
If you have an awesome photo of Healdsburg being Healdsburg — breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny, or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera — we'd love to feature it on Patch.
We look for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty and fun that is Sonoma County, and that show off your unique talents. Cell phone images are fine. Email photos to angela.woodall@patch.com.
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