Glad to be Here!

[frostbite]

You should be fine getting chicks now.

I have a selection of dual purpose birds, and they're all sweet. The wyandotte sits in my lap and lets me pet her, also the speckled sussex and the cuckoo marans, and the australorp as well. The easter egger is more resistant to being petted, but is still eager to be where I am when I'm in the coop. With only four chicks, you'll be their best friend! Teach them as chicks that your hand is a safe place to be, where they get treats, and they'll most likely be pretty friendly as grown ups.

I don't know how much flexibility you have in your ordering, but it's been fun for me to have a variety; I can tell them apart easier!

 

[Kevin565]

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. If you don't wait too much longer, they should be fine by winter. Just make sure they have a draft free coop.

 

[CrazyChookz]

Hi and

Glad to have you onboard!
Depending on what breed you end up considering, the temperature could or could not be a problem.
Orpingtons are very nice to have around, and I hear they are good with kids.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

I think all would work out fine if you decide to get chicks now. Buff Oprington is a fine breed. Very calm and tame when raised from baby chicks. As you mentioned so are Barred Rocks. I have both and they are among the most gentle in the flock.