Are fall chicks a bad idea in Zone 5?

[thecatumbrella]

I like her. She's where I got the idea to brood in a tent with my first batch (which was a really good experience), and where I got SUPER confused about lighting for fall chicks. In fact, my comment is posted on her website at the bottom of that article - it's a big, long question about her lighting recommendation and how the heck it's supposed to work. In her answer, she really didn't know either, she was going by what Gail Damerow's book says on the subject (which is also super confusing). I ended up asking Michigan State University Poultry Extension and they said to keep out-of-season chicks/pullets at 10 on/14 off until POL (after week 16) and then increase by 30 min each week until you reach 14-16 hours of light, but I think that's assuming they will be on artificial lights the whole time (like for egg factories, because that's the only thing we can get any real research on). Anyway, I think The Featherbrain is a great resource, and I like that she attempts to follow the science (it's just that sometimes the science isn't applicable for "Backyarders" ).

I wish she had a BYC account (or maybe she does incognito? ). I appreciate a good bird nerd that likes to dive into all the little niche topics that come up in chicken keeping.

I found a lady on Youtube that does it and she lives in a colder climate than I do. Her name is The Garden Nextdoor if you want to look her up.

I'll check her out, thanks!

 

[BoundlessLove]

Hey, Cat.
Did y’all decide to get some chicks for fall?

 

[thecatumbrella]

Hey, Cat.
Did y’all decide to get some chicks for fall?

Sadly, no. We were torn about ordering through Mt Healthy, since they carry the breeds we want year-round (including SPECKLED SUSSEX ), but you wouldn't believe this...

Both this week and last week have freezing overnight temps only on the days I'd need to ship them. It's unseasonably warm otherwise. Guess it wasn't meant to be. At least this gives me more time to fix the coop and run situation.

 

[BoundlessLove]

Sadly, no. We were torn about ordering through Mt Healthy, since they carry the breeds we want year-round (including SPECKLED SUSSEX ), but you wouldn't believe this...

Both this week and last week have freezing overnight temps only on the days I'd need to ship them. It's unseasonably warm otherwise. Guess it wasn't meant to be. At least this gives me more time to fix the coop and run situation.

Oh no! Well, no it was not meant to be right now. But, at least you can work on everything and have plenty of time and not be rushed.

 

[McChooky]

They'd be hatching next week. Large fowl breeds like Orpingtons, Sussex, Australorps, etc. I brood in my basement, which doesn't get below 50 degrees. My run will be weather and wind protected for winter. No heat in the coop, and the coop will likely be inside the run.

At 6 weeks-old, the average temps for my area will be 50F high, 30F low. At 8 weeks, 44/26. Of course, the weather never actually reflects the average and will be all over the place.

Also, I read something about fall chicks needing extra light to prevent early-onset laying (and reproductive issues). Something about the days getting longer as they approach point-of-lay. Anyone know anything about this?

Feel free to talk me into or out of this idea.

Fall is a good time to raise chicks because heat is hard on chickens. They'll lay when the amount of daylight increases once they reach maturity

 

[Debbie292d]

Cozy Coop radiant heaters btw are on sale for $54. I'd snag one of those as they are hugely comforting to put in a coop or chicken hutch when we're not so sure they will stay warm on their own.

We have three of them and really do need a fourth. The growout pens all have one. Currently, one is being used for our little momma silky hen who has around 30 chicks, as a backup. They are so handy and safe!

 

[kattabelly]

Know you didn't ask but I still think you should try looking for three or four hens that are an established group and already started laying, if you're going to try again. You could always let them hatch chicks in future if one goes broody

 

[thecatumbrella]

Fall is a good time to raise chicks because heat is hard on chickens.

Yeah, I've started to hate raising spring chicks since they go outside full-time around 4th of July. It's so hot and miserable until mid-September. Would love to try getting some late summer chicks next time. Will be warm enough while they're still growing in their feathers, then cool down for the rest of the year.

Cozy Coop radiant heaters btw are on sale for $54. I'd snag one of those as they are hugely comforting to put in a coop or chicken hutch when we're not so sure they will stay warm on their own.

We have three of them and really do need a fourth. The growout pens all have one. Currently, one is being used for our little momma silky hen who has around 30 chicks, as a backup. They are so handy and safe!

You know, I had this in my Home Depot cart forever. Then I went to purchase and it was out of stock. I'm sure I can track it down somewhere else. Is there a reason you prefer the Cozy Coop to something like a Sweeter Heater? I can see the benefit of it NOT being pooped on, since it's wall mounted.

Look at momma silkie, still going strong in October. And 30 chicks! Wowza!

 

[thecatumbrella]

Know you didn't ask but I still think you should try looking for three or four hens that are an established group and already started laying, if you're going to try again. You could always let them hatch chicks in future if one goes broody

We've talked about that, for sure, but we REALLY want to prove to ourselves that we can get some pullets through point-of-lay. It's become a personal challenge at this point. Also, baby chicks and young pullets are just too fun and adorable. And I'm actually good at that part!

 

[Debbie292d]

You know, I had this in my Home Depot cart forever. Then I went to purchase and it was out of stock. I'm sure I can track it down somewhere else. Is there a reason you prefer the Cozy Coop to something like a Sweeter Heater? I can see the benefit of it NOT being pooped on, since it's wall mounted.

Look at momma silkie, still going strong in October. And 30 chicks! Wowza!

The reason between the two is sweeter heaters are larger, and way more expensive. The coops each have a heater in them already, both electric, one oil-filled, and the other more like a small furnace installed into a wall. These heat the entire coop(s). Both keep the coops to around 40-45°F all winter. Sweeter Heaters or Cozy Coops only heat the area in direct proximity of them.

It's the growout pens I'd never have been able to keep chicks in for the winter without something in there. They don't need much because those hutches are like dog houses, so they run in when they get cold, then back out to frolic in the pen.

This is an example of one. The others are similar but like square boxes and not this fancy.