first time ordering chics.

[topher166]

i'm ordering chics for the first time and I can order day olds, 3,4,5,6 week olds.. I have never had chickens before. obviously the cost for day olds is the lowest. HOWEVER how difficult is it to raise chics? is the mortality rate that high that I should order 3+ week olds to get a better guantee on mortality and sexing as well?

 

[Makomd]

Day olds are rather strong and I would say mortality rate is not so much why they are cheaper. I would say day olds are cheaper because they have not been fed for weeks if at all (extra expense) and the multiple week old chicks are that much closer to laying, so more valuable in that sense. If you are willing to wait the few extra weeks that it would take for eggs, I would buy the days olds. Yes they are cheaper, but you get to watch them grow and see their personalities from chick to adult.

Hope it helps.