Raising Chicks in the Winter

[gsweeney81]

Hi, I'm new to BYC, I am thinking about purchasing 4 chicks to be delivered mid October. I live in the North East US, where temperatures drop to -10 degrees in January. It is not unusual to get down to -20. for multiple days in a row. Last year we hit -30 for multiple nights. I currently have an insulated coop with 5 hens in it. I would like to add a few more to my flock. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience acclimating chicks to the bitter cold. I was thinking about trying to put them in the coop mid January. Somewhere between 10-12 weeks. that's also the coldest time of the year.

 

[3riverschick]

Hi, I'm new to BYC, I am thinking about purchasing 4 chicks to be delivered mid October. I live in the North East US, where temperatures drop to -10 degrees in January. It is not unusual to get down to -20. for multiple days in a row. Last year we hit -30 for multiple nights. I currently have an insulated coop with 5 hens in it. I would like to add a few more to my flock. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience acclimating chicks to the bitter cold. I was thinking about trying to put them in the coop mid January. Somewhere between 10-12 weeks. that's also the coldest time of the year.

Hum, I am in western PA and understand your concerns.

 

[3riverschick]

If I may, how about this instead? This is the time of year when the breeders are downsizing their spring-hatched flocks for overwintering. I recently outplaced 11 hens and males. What is the breed you want?

 

[3riverschick]

The earlier in the year (Feb. or later), the chicks are hatched the larger they grow because they grow up with the sunshine and robust nature of Spring and Summer. Chicks hatched later in the year will grow up to be smaller birds. So... how about contacting breeders of your chosen breed(s) and seeing if they have started birds available. Several nice things about this idea.
1. The birds will be Spring-hatched and have grown out to a larger size.
2. They will have been raised by the breeder and culled for quality at least twice.
3. They will be fully mature enough to handle the rigors of our NE winters.
4. They will be laying next Spring and ready for you to breed to an older cock and hatch eggs with the rest of us.
There really is no downside to this except you will pay a little more for the started birds. But even the extra monies spent will easily compete with the expense of raising those chicks in the winter....and without the worry about keeping them warm, etc.
Best Regards,
Karen

 

[gsweeney81]

Hi thanks for replying back. I had a true blue Americauna,and Welsummer,unfortunately the neighbor dog killed them. I'm looking to replace those two and get a cream legbar and sultan. I was hoping for the pretty eggs in the spring. Its hard to find these birds near me, and the hatcheries rarely have them available at the same time. Any suggestions on where to find breeders for these hen .started pullets would be much easier than baby chicks. I've been looking at Craigslist and hatcheries on line.

 

[gsweeney81]

If I may, how about this instead? This is the time of year when the breeders are downsizing their spring-hatched flocks for overwintering. I recently outplaced 11 hens and males.  What is the breed you want?

so I think I finally found where to reply at lol

I would like to get a welsummer, blue Americauna, sultan, and a cream legba . I had a cpl of them, but the neighbor dog killed them. I appreciate your suggestion on the started birds. I would prefer that, but am having trouble finding those breeds. I've been looking mostly on Craigslist and the internet. Any suggestions on where to look. I'm also in NE PA.

 

[3riverschick]

Cream Legbar are very rare. I know one of the breeders of one of the few flocks in the USA> Hang on a minute.
converse with https://www.backyardchickens.com/u/114355/garydean26
Gary has a flock and is a breed historian. he knows everyone with good quality Cream Legbar.
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COLORADO

WALTZ'S ARK ( Naturopath, all stock raised naturally on the high plains of Colorado. Know this breeder. Also has Sussex, smile)

email Us | visit our website
Delta, CO
Rare & Heritage Poultry, NPIP & AI. Sussex: Light, Buff, Coronation, Red, Speckled, Silver. English Orpington: Black, Blue, Splash, Gold Laced, Jubilee, Red, Lavender, Chocolate. Marans: Black Copper, Blue Copper. Other Breeds: Swedish Flower Hen, Breda, Augsburger, Isbar, Sultan, Sicilian Buttercup, and more. NO CATALOG!

PENNSYLVANIA

HORSTMAN’S POULTRY

Dick Horstman ( a legend in the poultry world!! an elite breeder. call him if you see any birds you are looking for. beautiful quality birds!)
724-729-3701
email Us | visit our website
5 S Kings Creek Rd., Burgettstown, PA 15021
Eggs – chicks – adults. Large fowl: White & Silver Penciled Rocks, Single Comb & Rose Comb Rhode Island Reds, White Crested Black Polish, Red & Silver Gray Dorkings and Single Comb Black Minorcas. Bantams: Barred & White Rocks, Dark Brahma, Bearded Silver, Non bearded White Crested Black and White Crested Blue Polish, Dark Cornish and Spangled Russian Orloff.

http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/breeders-directory/
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Welsummer Club of North America breeders directory ask around with Club Members. not all breeders belong to the Club.
http://wcna.webs.com/breederslist.htm
Lebanon Valley Poultry fanciers 717-673-0480
lebanonvalleypoultryfanciers.wordpress.com
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http://www.ameraucana.org/
Look at this website! The Ameraucana Club is having a special meet in your area on Oct. 10th! Assoc. with the Lebanon Valley Club! What a deal and chance to network with quality Ameraucana breeders!
Here's another Ameraucana Club with a breeders Directory. http://ameraucanaalliance.org/

http://www.amerpoultryassn.com/BC_Links.htm

Ameraucana

MICHIGAN

Fowl Stuff

John W. Blehm ( very well thought of breeder!)
visit our website
Birch Run, MI
Large fowl chickens: buff & partridge Chantecler. Also, buff, lavender, silver & black Ameraucana. Bantam chickens: buff, lavender & silver Ameraucana.
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http://www.polishbreedersclub.com/sultan.htm
Polish Breeders' Club includes the Sultan
Jim Parker
RR #6, 3232 Schooler Road
Cridersville, OH 45806
e-mail: [email protected]

 

[3riverschick]

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[3riverschick]

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[3riverschick]

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