Is it too late to get chicks now?

[linneamae]

I was supposed to be getting my chicks from a breeder sometime mid-may, but they are delayed due to rooster issues and the breeder just told me that it could be a couple weeks before he even has the eggs. Which means I'm looking at mid to late June before I'll get them. He gave me the option to cancel and I'm not sure what to do. I really want Wellsummers - from a breeder, and I really wanted to get them this year, but is it silly to start this late in the year, seeing as how I probably won't see much for eggs, if any, until next spring? I'm a newbie so I'm just looking for a little insight....pros and cons I guess.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

I too am getting a late start. Well, I got more chicks in January so I was ahead of the game. However; a dog attack took out all but one of my flock so here I am waiting for chicks to arrive late May. My first birds I got later in the spring/early summer. The nice thing is that while they may not lay until spring, they will start off strong in the spring. If you start with March/April birds they seem to "limp" through winter laying occasionally and I feel like they waste a good portion of their first year as far as egg production is concerned. If you are all set-up I say go for it. If they are what you want it will be worth it. There are pros in cons no matter when you get chicks as they take the same amount of time to mature no matter the season.

 

[nbenevento]

It's never too late to get chickens!!! Lol. Some people have luck getting eggs through the winter, including myself! I say go for it and see what happens. You may want to check around for other breeders as well and if you find one that can ship faster...

 

[linneamae]

Thanks so much! My instinct was to just drive on with the plan but, I tend to do that in all things in life even when the 'plan' no longer makes sense...so I wanted to make sure this wasn't one of those situations.

I'll just tell him to send them when they're ready - gives us more time to get the coop ready anyway!