Chicks now or spring

[Scott204]

we have a flock of 5, was 6 but one was a rooster. We know we want a few more, 3 tops. So do we add now so they lay come spring or wait until spring. We are still new to chickens. And this is our first flock that we bought just before Easter.

 

[hysop]

I would personally get some now so they can grow and be ready to lay in the spring.

Now I wouldn’t recommend you get chicks in the winter because of cold weather and needing to have constant heat even when they’re past the 5-8 week age.

But right now while it’s yet summer/early fall sure! Because by the time winter is here they’ll be big enough to handle it as a whole and keep each other warm.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd personally advise to wait, and that's because you'll get more consistent egg laying over time if you stagger the ages of your flock, as chickens lay most consistently the first 2 years. So like my flock is staggered by 2 years.

If egg production is not a concern then you can do it either way.

 

[333113]

Both waiting or not have advantages, your choice.

Either way, you will want to read up on introducing new birds to your flock. There's lots of good advice right here, if you search. It's not just as simple as putting them together. I recommend the see-don't-touch introduction, which will require some caging, like a dog crate or adjoining pens, and separate feed for a while. Once you read up on it, you may find you'll have more time for the process at one time of year or the other.

 

[Sally PB]

I want three more pullets too. I'm waiting till spring for several reasons, which may or may not help you decide.

I'm very new at this, so I want more experience, which comes with time.
I want to be sure my setup works for winter. Fully feathered birds will handle Michigan cold better.
Like someone mentioned, more consistent egg laying with staggered ages of birds.
I'd prefer a broody to take care of the brooding for me.
We're all used to our routine right now, so I don't want to change it.

Good luck, whatever you decide! Having chickens is one of the most interesting, rewarding adventures I've ever had.

 

[hysop]

I'd personally advise to wait, and that's because you'll get more consistent egg laying over time if you stagger the ages of your flock, as chickens lay most consistently the first 2 years. So like my flock is staggered by 2 years.

If egg production is not a concern then you can do it either way.

I never thought of that!! Thank you for your comment. I wish I woulda thought to stagger them before getting a bunch of new flocks (in chick form ) all the same age. I guess I’ll look into that once these flocks are at the end of their 2nd year.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I never thought of that!! Thank you for your comment. I wish I woulda thought to stagger them before getting a bunch of new flocks (in chick form ) all the same age. I guess I’ll look into that once these flocks are at the end of their 2nd year.

It was a definite consideration for me because I didn't want too many eggs, or too few eggs. So right now I have a flock with 4 yrs olds, 2 yr olds, and pullets... and now I'm pretty much out of space lol. So in 2 more years we'll have to see about squeezing in a couple more birds to keep the egg train rolling, if all the oldest girls are still around at that point.

 

[Folly's place]

New chicks every year or two is a good plan, as mentioned. Ordering chicks by mail works well, unless it doesn't, and always take weather into consideration! Very cold or very hot are both problems, and ordering a tiny number will be very expensive!
Spend time reading up on breeds, arrange the coop and run, get into winter, and decide who you want to add, in spring, or later. and if you want birds that your local feed stores sell, that will also be less expensive. Or, if there's a good hatchery within driving distance, go there.
Mary

 

[Sonya9]

I'd personally advise to wait, and that's because you'll get more consistent egg laying over time if you stagger the ages of your flock, as chickens lay most consistently the first 2 years. So like my flock is staggered by 2 years.

If egg production is not a concern then you can do it either way.

Completely agree. Ideally I like to add 2-3 new chicks each spring to keep the egg supply steady (though I use a broody so adding small numbers is easy).
Pullets typically lay through their first winter so staggered ages have an advantage.

 

[Scott204]

Ok great. Thanks to all for the advice. Will wait until spring.