Chick Hatching/Raising Season

[EmilyRobb]

I've heard from multiple sources that raising chicks around the year and regardless of season is a feasible thing. I've only ever raised/hatched chicks between March and May, but I'm not sure if i want to continue hatching into the summer, fall, winter, or just around the clock. Has anybody hatched or raised chicks outside of Spring? If I didn't want the chicks, would people buy them in the "off-season"? Should I just stick to breeding in the Spring and then either separate the roosters or put the supposedly fertile eggs into the fridge for consumption?

 

[Rose Quartz]

I've heard from multiple sources that raising chicks around the year and regardless of season is a feasible thing. I've only ever raised/hatched chicks between March and May, but I'm not sure if i want to continue hatching into the summer, fall, winter, or just around the clock. Has anybody hatched or raised chicks outside of Spring? If I didn't want the chicks, would people buy them in the "off-season"? Should I just stick to breeding in the Spring and then either separate the roosters or put the supposedly fertile eggs into the fridge for consumption?

Lots of people buy year round in my area. Summer lots of people stop hatching so there's less for people to choose from. December hatches = May/June layers. I had people this hatching season complaining that they would start laying too late into the summer for them to want them.

But, no one wants to raise chicks through the winter either, what with the risk of power outages and excessive cold. So you might end up raising them and then it's a question of 1. Do you have space if they arent sold right away, 2. Is it worth it to you to sell partially raised birds, 3. Would people be willing to pay a fair price for started birds?

So far i haven't found it to be worth it to sell started birds everyone expects a discount.

 

[EmilyRobb]

@Rose Quartz I live in Canada where the winters get rather cold (maybe -40°C or so for the lowest temp) and power outages are no new occurance, especially in the winter months.
1. I would have some space if they aren't sold immediately but it would be with birds that are already established
2. I'm not sure if it's worth it to sell partially raised birds at this point. In my area there doesn't seem to be anything specific that people look for, in regards to age or breed or whatever else
3. Established birds sell relatively well around here, especially after they are taken to show or are eye catching. The cochins that I raise are definitely something different than the usual backyard flock members, I mean it's hard to miss a large ball of fluff. Then again, things change and the market is somewhat uncertain.

 

[Rose Quartz]

@Rose Quartz I live in Canada where the winters get rather cold (maybe -40°C or so for the lowest temp) and power outages are no new occurance, especially in the winter months.
1. I would have some space if they aren't sold immediately but it would be with birds that are already established
2. I'm not sure if it's worth it to sell partially raised birds at this point. In my area there doesn't seem to be anything specific that people look for, in regards to age or breed or whatever else
3. Established birds sell relatively well around here, especially after they are taken to show or are eye catching. The cochins that I raise are definitely something different than the usual backyard flock members, I mean it's hard to miss a large ball of fluff. Then again, things change and the market is somewhat uncertain.

Oh I didn't look at your location. I'm in NS. Used to live in southern SK.

Right now chicks are selling amazingly well. I haven't been listing mine and have still managed to sell some. It's hard to say what it would be like next year.

If you have a generator, you'd probably be fine to have chicks mid-winter. On my coldest days this spring -30C i needed 2 heat lamps to keep a 20 sqft building warm enough for young chicks.