RIO LINDA – Chicks were flying off the shelves at a Sacramento County feed and supply store on Thursday.

River Valley Feed & Pet Supply received their first chick delivery of the season this week.

Area residents have been eagerly waiting for the shipment, as evidenced by the long line waiting for the store to open.

"They're great pets," said Frank Terrones, a Rio Linda-area resident who was first in line. "They're entertaining to watch."

With egg prices skyrocketing, interest in backyard flocks has also been on the upswing.

Knowing that their chicks would be in high demand due to the bird flu and egg shortage, River Valley Feed & Supply put a limit of five birds per customer.

Still, as people with experience in raising chickens say, even small flocks can produce enough eggs for a family.

"We've got enough to keep the family going," Terrones said.

The store says the rest of their chick shipment was delayed, meaning more birds should be available next week.