/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    If you're already a member of our community, click here to login & click here to learn what's new!

Is it to late in the season to start?

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by AAindigo, Aug 17, 2013.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Aug 17, 2013 #1
    AAindigo

    AAindigo New Egg

    2
    0
    7
    Aug 17, 2013
    Well I have my area picked out, We will be taking over part of pre-existing garden with much of the fencing up already. My coop will be 4x8 and the run will be 12x14. I have a bit of moving to do and then I will need to build the coop. I figure to have the coop up and ready by mid to late September.

    My question: Is this to late to start my hobby? Should I wait til spring? I live in the NE.

    Archie
     
  3. Aug 17, 2013 #2
    ChickenCanoe

    ChickenCanoe Chicken Obsessed

    21,681
    2,617
    466
    Nov 23, 2010
    St. Louis, MO
    As long as you can get electric to the coop so you can keep water thawed I would start now.
    If you start with chicks in September or October, you'll be eating fresh eggs by March.
    If you wait till spring you won't have eggs till late summer or fall.
    I like starting chicks in October. IMO they are just big enough to handle the cold when it arrives and feather out well because it is so cool when they're growing.

    Think about your worst winter weather and imagine making your way out to open the door and provide fresh water and food on the worst day. If you can handle that then start now.
     
  5. Aug 17, 2013 #3
    Percheron chick

    Percheron chick Chillin' With My Peeps

    3,316
    442
    221
    Apr 12, 2013
    Boulder, Colorado
    Get the chicks today. They will be in the brooder/house/garage until the end of September so plenty of time and motivation to get the coop up and done. You will have all of October for them to acclimate to the colder weather and by first frost/snow they will be fine outside without heat.
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by