beginner questions

[mytwogirls]

Should I wait till spring to buy my chickens so I can avoid the winter weather? and I think I won't rhode island reds. Which breed will be the best egg producers? thanks

 

[buglit]

I guess when to order is also one of my questions as well (you all convinced me)

 

[Akane]

Try the henderson chicken chart:
http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

It would probably be best to wait at least one more month to get chicks. Most hatcheries are just starting to hatch them now so they don't have much selection anyway. Unless you go for some rare breed that sells out quickly there's no real reason not to wait.

 

[herechickchick]

I would place the order before the end of February if you are just wanting Rhode Island Reds. Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Brahmas and Delawares are other breeds to consider as they lay well also. You could mix it up and get an assortment, they would be very pretty together.

 

[mytwogirls]

Thanks for the chart that is pretty cool and informative.

 

[eggzettera]

I would order now & beat the spring rush, you can always pick when you want them to deliver. If you are getting common breeds & not very many you may just want to check with your feed store & see what they are planning on bringing in & reserve some through them.

 

[TaLani]

Another way to get chicks is to call your local Tractor Supply Co. & find out what breeds they'll carry & when they'll arrive at the store. They normally order chicks from some of the popular hatcheries. I'd call TSC now though. Of course, you can always order straight from a hatchery. Just a thought.

 

[redoak]

I ordered more chickens last week so I could still get the selection I wanted. I requested a March 23rd shipping date to avoid the really cold weather. Last year I did the same thing and ordered March 21st. After 6 weeks they were fully feathered and able to go outside in the coop and all the snow was gone.

 

[HorseFeathers]

I'd order in the early spring, say Marchish. As for breeds, our EEs, Red Star, and Australorp are best for eggs and temprament...

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

We got some RIRs last spring from Co-op. Seeing your in Tn too, you could call them and find out if they are getting any and when. Ours are great layers.