I live in Central Virginia. I am still trying to get my chicken coop built but have made some headway Is there a cut off time I should give myself to get chicks for them to survive the cold weather?
Also, someone in the area has a used chicken tractor. Do I need to be leary of purchasing items like this because of disease?
I wouldn't buy a used chicken coop. Too many things can be in there.
You should get your chicks ASAP. You want them to have some meat on their bones when the cold weather hits.
They will be fully feathered and ready for the coop at around 6 weeks of age, but they still feel the cold pretty bad when they are runts not filled in and the cold weather hits.
There is a huge debate all the time on BYC about providing light bulbs in coops for chickens. I have brooded in the winter and it's no fun to see them cold and too young really. I give them a 100 watt bulb in the shed due to our damp climate, but you have to keep it safe from fire. If you are going the chicken tractor route then they will be colder than in a coop.
Thank you for the info. I have a barn that we are converting but, was looking at the tractor as something extra I don't know much but, I think I agree I need to start my chicks soon or wait til Spring.
Is there a cut off time I should give myself to get chicks for them to survive the cold weather?
