Can you buy chickens year round?

[Wooly Chicken]

I can't own chickens where I live now, but I'm moving soon. I'll be moving around August, so I'd like to know which hatcheries sell then. I'd also like to know if I should get matured chickens because of the season and what breeds are sold around that time. If you know, I'd like to know which of those breeds are good for beginners. Thanks!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

There are many hatcheries that you can order from just about any time of the year.
It really depends on how many chickens you want as to which hatchery you choose (some have minimum orders).
You can also look around on the web to see if there are any local breeders in your area, you may want to post on your state thread here on BYC and ask if anyone knows a good breeder. Craigslist can sometime be another source.

Personally I used a hatchery (Meyer) to order chicks from since I was a "first timer" so I could have them vaccinated and the minimum order was 3 chicks since I was ordering in Summer (July). I have been pleased so far with what I have. I have 2 Buff Orpington girls, 2 Barred Rock girls, 2 Silver Laced Wyandotte girls and a Buff Orpington boy.

I brooded in the coop since it was most convenient, there are several threads on brooding outdoors so be sure to search at the top for articles and tips on that subject.

As far as choosing a breed, all of us have our own opinion as to which is best. You need to consider what you are getting chickens for in the first place. Do you want just egg layers, dual purpose (meat and eggs) or something more ornamental.
Other things to consider would be the weather you will have, do you need cold hardy or more heat tolerant.

Here's a few hatcheries to get you started, but there are plenty of them so the best is to do a web search to see what's out there:
https://www.meyerhatchery.com/
https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chickens.html
http://www.mypetchicken.com/

 

[Percheron chick]

Some hatcheries operate year round. Privett is another one. Follow your local CL. You often find people in the fall getting rid of their chickens. Pick up a few then you can always add breeds in the spring.