I'm picking up 25 Cornish Cross chicks on 9/4. I'm not too worried about the weather getting colder since they won't be around that long. However, the more I'm researching and reading this forum, the more I want some laying hens too. I know I can wait until spring to get laying chicks, but darn it, I want some now so I can start getting eggs in the spring! I am going to the hatchery to pick up the Cornish Cross and I know they will have a selection of other chicks there.
My question is, do you think it's too late in the year to start with day-old chicks? I live in central Missouri where it gets pretty cold (as low as -10 in the winter for a short period). I have a room in my barn that I'm converting to a chicken coop. It's not heated, but it's not drafty either. I have never had chickens so I just don't know how long it takes before a chicken can withstand the cold. It shouldn't get too bad until late December, so that would make the chicks almost four months by then. What do you guys think?
My question is, do you think it's too late in the year to start with day-old chicks? I live in central Missouri where it gets pretty cold (as low as -10 in the winter for a short period). I have a room in my barn that I'm converting to a chicken coop. It's not heated, but it's not drafty either. I have never had chickens so I just don't know how long it takes before a chicken can withstand the cold. It shouldn't get too bad until late December, so that would make the chicks almost four months by then. What do you guys think?