I have seen a lot of info about "seasons" for chicks. Is it best to have them by a certain time of year? I am in FL so we won't get really cold (except for one or two nights in January). We haven't started the coop yet and I really don't want to wait till spring.
I asked a similar question the other day. I was told that NOW is the time to be getting the chicks but I live in Ky so I doubt this applies to you in Florida. Im sure someone else will give you better advice. Im like you. I dont feel like waiting til spring!
I was just reading the other day about pullets maturing too early and having a higher incidence of problems related to reproductive health if they are reaching POL while the days are lengthening rather than shortening. I've only seen this in the one book so that always makes me less than certain about something but I thought it was interesting as a theory.
From what I gather. This is no great time. As long as you can keep them the right temperature then you can have them anytime of the year. I assume you will be using a brooder, and that will give you the heat. As soon as they are feathered you can put them outside in the coop, if you are a little worried about temperature outside in the coop when they first get out there, then feel free to give them a heat lamp out in the coop for a few days. So, there is no perfect time. I think what most people mean is if its warm out (like spring/summer) they can transition their birds quicker from the brooder to the coop, but if you have no problems keeping them in the brooder until they are fully feathered, then you should have no problem having chicks at any time of the year. But for us Florida and Texas folk, who are lucky enough to get warm temperatures for longer times, you might not even need a heat lamp if your temperature is in the 90's while they are chicks
Quote:It seems to me that ""seasons" for chicks" seems to apply to serious breeders/show people. I have been looking high and low since July for 2 different breeds and can't get them until next year. We're coming into show season pretty soon so these breeders are picking out their show birds and selling off the unwanted young stock, then focusing on preparing the show birds for show. (I'm new at this and learning too.) Also other northern folk havta worry 'bout somethin' called cold & SNOW? I dunno what that is, do you? (just kidding) If you are not looking for a more specialized/rare breed, then you may be able to find chicks here in Florida anytime. I was just in my locally owned feedstore and they still had chicks in 2-3 breeds that are nice birds.
