I have found that buying local when I can has many benefits. I just found a local guy that sells chicks. Right now efowl.com sells their Rhode Island Red chicks for $3.39 cents a piece. My local guy is selling his for $2. The same guy will sell my a dozen hatching eggs for $2.50. I can talk directly to the hatcher. Also, I have another person may sell me a few piglets when I’m ready for pigs. No minimums on order, and I may even be able to trade rabbits for chicks or eggs. Down side is limited selection. I can find what I want, but if you want rare animals like pheasants you may have to look harder.
Get out there and talk. See what you can see.