Anyone start a flock in the Fall?

[winstonsgrrrl]

I'm new to chickens, and am looking to get 2-4 pullets in the coming weeks/months. We're busy working on some outside renovations on our house, so the chicken project is temporarily on hold. We live in Ohio, where winters can get pretty cold. I've noticed a lot of people tend to get started in the Spring. Should we wait? We've already got an insulated coop, and the materials to build a run.

 

[BeccaOH]

Welcome to the chicken world.

I'm in Ohio, and I built my first coop last October. The first of November, I moved in a flock of 8 that were all around 18-20 weeks. Got my first eggs quickly, and they laid pretty well all winter. You can see My Page here for what my coop setup looks like.

I used a heat lamp in the building to extend the daylight and provide a bit of heat on those cold nights. I even put plastic on the west facing windows. My rooster did get a bit of frostbite, but they all did quite well. I bought a heated water fount that was well worth the $40. This winter I'll likely have 20-25 chickens in there, so the body heat should be even better for winter.

You can do it. Jump on in.

 

[Wynette]

If you're sure to get it done before the snow flies (the run), then I'd go for it! You've already got an insulated coop...

Can you run electricity to your coop? If so, that's all you'd need...you'll need a heated waterer, or you'll have to knock ice out of their waterer a few times per day. Some folks just run extension cords out to the coop in the coldest part of winter.

 

[Marlinchaser]

You can start anytime, most hatcheries dont ship in dead of winter due to extreme cold temp.

With most breeds you need to let them grow appox 4-5 months before they start laying so by starting in Sept which should give them enough time to feather out before bad weather hits they can do thier growing during short houred days, and will start to lay as the weather gets nice. Most started in the spring dont start laying till Aug/Sept then slow down for the winter.(unless you supply light source)

 

[Indiana hens]

Spring is great! Plenty of bugs, worms to eat. Sunshine gets longer as they get bigger. I try not to hatch after November because u must heat the brooder. You can start them anytime but if they are 4 months old when power goes out they should live if not sub-zero temp.

 

[MissJenny]

I'm in the same boat (and in Ohio) -- house renovations have put my chickie project on hold too. At this rate I won't get my coop built till October-ish. I am planning to insulate my coop and to keep an electric oil heater in it... just as soon as I build a porch, replace a fence... it's endless.

Right now I am gathering tons of information here on BYC. I had no idea so many emergencies can come up with chickens. A friend has lost some of her hens to raccoons, possum and hawks, so I know those predatory concerns. But I would not have known what to do for mites or injuries. I'd never heard of Blue Kote.

Putting off my chickie project has me reading and learning and stocking up on certain food stuffs and first aid supplies.

What breeds of chickens are you planning to get? How many?

Jenny

 

[winstonsgrrrl]

Thanks for the replies! The coop/run area will be adjoining the house and garage, so I plan to have an extension cord for heated water and possibly lighting. I really like RIR's, Easter eggers, and Buff Orpingtons. My selection might be limited due to the fact that I only have room for a few and I would like to get them when they are already close to laying. I plan to start with 2 and maybe add 2 more after I get my feet wet!

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
Dont forget BUCKEYES they were made for Ohio. http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/buckeye.html

 

[SimplyForties]

Quote:
Dont forget BUCKEYES they were made for Ohio. http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/buckeye.html

I'm starting my new Virginia flock (had to sell my Texas flock before I moved) in September and I'm choosing Buckeyes! I think they'll make great free-rangers. I found a breeder in North Carolina who will have some ready then so the clock is ticking on my coop project!

Good luck with your Fall flock!