Is it OK to order chicks now?

You can but there will be limited breeds to choose from, you can also look on Craigslist lots of people getting rid of pullets because they ordered to many or don't want to take care of them anymore

You don't say where you are but if it doesn't get below freezing often, you should have plenty of time for them to feather out.  i agree with checking craigslist.  I had to sell off all of my birds due to an unexpected and quick transfer 2.5 months ago.  I didn't want to start again with day olds because I didn't want to wait for eggs.  It took me a few weeks and a 45 minute drive each way to find some started pullets.  But I was able to get 4 month olds and then a 6 month old roo.  So, I only have a little while to wait for eggs.  On another note, about 2 weeks ago, I did find some jersey giant chicks and got 30 of them. 

You do need to be aware of your night time temps if the chicks are going to be outside before being fully feathered.  I have lost 4 due to them piling up and smothering the smaller ones when a cold front came through and they weren't warm enough.

Also, just be sure that your coop is better, now that the raccoons have been there they may continue to check it out from time to time.

I have 2 aracaunas and they are pretty birds, haven't started laying yet.  Not broody but I like colored eggs.  :)

And

Quote:

Originally Posted by jendodd79 

When are chicks fully feathered?  I definitely want to be completely prepared!

I'm not an expert -- this is my first year with chickens. But I can share a couple pictures. I call them How To Know When the Chicks are Too Old for the Brooder.

The bigger chicks smashed down the sides of their brooder, and the medium chicks jumped out of theirs to sunbathe on top of the smallest chicks' brooder, under their heat lamp. It's chicken party time.

Check out the shower curtain rod in this one:

These chicks were in the brooder Way Too Long.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jendodd79 

Thank you!
 

I actually managed to find a hatchery in the Vancouver area on Craigslist who breeds and sells Aracaunas and other heritage breeds, and we're just up the coast from Vancouver.

 

It was unfortunate how the coop was built by the students, the coons were able to peel back the wire on top and get in :(  totally traumatic!  Everything else was built very solid.

 

We plan on being fully prepared this year by way of a fool proof coon cage!  The location that we're going to build it in has a stone wall on one side.  A greenhouse on the other, and a small weeping pussy willow tree in the centre (about 6 feet high) that they can shade under and roost in and I plan on wiring it this time with electric wire.  I'll also look in to a heating lamp for in the coop.

 

When are chicks fully feathered?  I definitely want to be completely prepared!

Vancouver? as in WA state? You sounds suspiciously close to me! maybe we can meet up ;later and swap chickens lol

well these pics sure changed my mind about Brooding my chicks in the coop with my older chicks! Looks like chicks night out! lol~ 

Quote:

Originally Posted by normanack 

I'm not an expert -- this is my first year with chickens. But I can share a couple pictures. I call them How To Know When the Chicks are Too Old for the Brooder.

 

The bigger chicks smashed down the sides of their brooder, and the medium chicks jumped out of theirs to sunbathe on top of the smallest chicks' brooder, under their heat lamp. It's chicken party time.

 

 

 

 

Check out the shower curtain rod in this one:

 

 

These chicks were in the brooder Way Too Long.

too funny!