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 I 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.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to weigh in.

 

[Fred's Hens]

My feelings are that if you really want a particular breed, of high quality birds, they mature slowly anyway. It's a feature of most better bred birds. If that is what you really want? Grab them. Why wait yet another year?

The really great birds are worth it. Plus, they'd be matured, laying and ready to breed next spring. You'd be all set to go. Pick up some Sex links at a feed store and you'll be swimming in eggs in 17-18 weeks. That is what they are for.

I hope your get your desired birds.

 

[Mitchell Farm]

It takes 20-24 weeks before eggs. If you get them in early June you should have eggs by late October or early November. Dont know what your summers are like but chicks like it 95 degrees the first week of their lives and the lower by 5 degrees each week thereafter down to 70 degrees so you would have no problem keeping them warm in summer. I would get them in June and enjoy them. By the time it turns cold they will be fully feathered and able to take the cold. Good luck!

 

[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!

I love this site.

 

[pichuris]

Well for some its never too late to have chicks. I have chicks year round. Is it harder in the cold temperature... of course. But that's even with my full grown flock. ENJOY!

 

[wsmith]

I was supposed to be getting my chicks from a breeder sometime mid-may, but they are delayed due to rooster issues and I 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.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to weigh in.

Unfortunately, that happens sometimes. I am experiencing the same issues...people wanting chicks and fertile eggs, and me not being able to supply them. If you can wait for the ones you want from the breeder you want< I would go ahead and get them when they are available. You probably won't get eggs from the pullets until spring though, unless they are quick maturing.

 

[3riverschick]

Go ahead and get your birds now. Mid-May to June is just fine. Then you will be on track for next year's breeding season with your own birds. Congrats on getting some real nice birds! They will do well growing up
in the sunshine and warmth of this summer.
Best,
Karen

 

[Tadkins472]

I had to read this I am in the same situation but i am going to grab my chicks this weekend. Glad to see everthing is going as planned.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Normally, we break up our breeding pens and declare an end of the breeding/hatching season by May 1. But we had a couple incidences and an equipment failure that have put us back a bit. Stuff happens. It just does.

So, today I will set a very late batch of purebred heritage Barred Rocks. Is it late? Yes. But I've no choice. So, things don't always go according to one's precise plan, especially when Mother Nature and equipment malfunctions are involved.

But seriously. This is the absolute end!! LOL

 

[Mi Ranchito]

Yup! I am patiently waiting for my turn to come up on two waiting lists! But, it is certainly worth the wait if it means quality birds. Good luck to everyone waiting for your chicks and eggs.