Is there an ideal time for chicks?

[naturababe]

Is there an ideal time for chicks to hatch in order to maximize egg laying or meat yumminess? I know if chicks hatch too late in the fall they can have problems maturing fast enough and can be hurt when they first start to lay but i was wondering if there is an ideal time on the other end.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I have brooded chicks at all times of the year and I don't think it makes a bit of difference. Fall chicks are nice because by spring, they are laying. Spring chicks are nice cuz when your adults molt, the pullets are laying.

As long as you have an area to brood them that they can be kept warm while feathering out, it will be fine.

ETA: I've got chicks right now that were hatched on New Years Day.

 

[Louieandthecrew]

I'm more for hatching/buying chicks in the Spring

 

[Mahonri]

Any time is a good time...

 

[chickfamilyonsleepyhollow]

Quote:
I agree that Spring is the best time of year if you live in a cold winter climate ... if you live in a mild year-round climate then I'd say anytime is a great time

got our chicks mid April (red sex-links) ... moved them out to the coop in late May ... they started laying in late August

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Right now through the beginning of March is the best time for dual-purpose chicks so they'll be fully into lay while the older birds are molting this fall. February through the end of March for Leghorns and similar such breeds for the same reasons.

 

[Olive Hill]

If you're taking proper care of your birds the time of year they hatch will have no bearing on the rate at which they develop.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
I agree that Spring is the best time of year if you live in a cold winter climate ... if you live in a mild year-round climate then I'd say anytime is a great time

got our chicks mid April (red sex-links) ... moved them out to the coop in late May ... they started laying in late August

This is true. Unless you like brooding in your house. (although some of you eastern states people are lucky with basements to brood chicks)

I do live in a mild climate, so for me it doesn't matter. Right now it's 60 degrees in the daytime and high 40's at night-chicken heaven. We do get cold occasionally (and snow), but nothing compared to most states frigid weather.