When is the best time to get chicks?

[jen5680]

Is spring the only good time to get chicks? I have had my chicks for about 3 1/2 months and i think they are all roosters and i was really looking forward to having some eggs so i was going to order some pullets but i heard that july is not a good time to get them. is this true?
thanks.
Jen

 

[suebee]

Any time is a good time to get chicks! I've hatched in the middle of winter and in the middle of summer! I don't know who told you that but if doesn't matter....you KNOW you're gonna get them anyway!

Seriously, it may be the heat, but I think most hatcheries ship in July. Look at your 5 day forcast before you order, if no heat waves, I'd order.

 

[jen5680]

You must be a mind reader!! LOL!! Thanks. i see you have the silkies. They are just soooo cute! I thought about getting a few of them but i can't find them around here. everyone is always sold out.
thanks again.
jen

 

[destiny_56085]

If you have the facilities to keep babies through the winter, go for it. I live up here in southern MN. Its even getting a little late for chicks here. Most people like to raise their birds outside and we are only going to have another 3 months of nice weather. If you don't have a heated barn or garage, will the babies be old enough to handle the weather?

I think there is a lull in the chick season now because of the weather. Its now July and HOT in most areas. Hens slow down laying for a while. The ducks and geese are usually done laying for the year. Its also getting to the point that shipping is risky.

 

[feather leg farms]

Anytime is good we have over 30 eggs in the bators now collect more and more everyday!!!!!! Showgirls etc!

 

[Chickenmaven]

I would suggest that you look for started pullets. Surely, someone here on BYC has a few for you!

 

[jen5680]

Well I ran up to the hatchery and got some babies today. I couldn't stand thinking i was raising just roosters. Hopefully they sexed them right and i got all girls.
I got 3 barred Rock, 2 Australorp and 2 buff orpingtons.
Now in six months or so hopefuuly i will have some eggs!!
thanks everyone!!

 

[goldenluver]

check out www.featherandfleese.com they sell silkies as chicks and eggs.
also www.cacklehatchery.com sells silkies

 

[BigPeep]

I would agree with the post from MN that you want to allow enough time for the birds to get big enough to withstand the Winter unless you are going to be keeping them inside in a heated coop or you are in a warmer area. I cancelled two orders with McMurray that wouldn't have come until August when I found another hatchery that could deliver in June. The chicks are doing great.

Also bear in mind that you shouldn't add one group of chickens to another unless you are going to put all of them together into a new coop. The ones occupying the coop now get possessive and may attack a new group but if they all go to new digs at the same time, they aren't possessive of it. I would be especially careful about this if the ones you are going to introduce will be smaller than the ones already there.

I have my older batch in a Summer coop now and will then move them into chicken tractors to make room for the new group to go into that coop. Then everyone will be moved together into the winter coop.

I have a bunch of roosters to get rid of too. They are starting to crow!

 

[cmom]

I have had winter chicks and summer chicks. As long as you can take care of their needs I would say anytime. I am more concerned with shipping. Most of my chicks have arrived early Oct then I have to worry more about cold as the days grow shorter and colder. There is less chance of a weather related delay in shipping the chicks during spring, summer and early fall, especially in the summer and warmer weather too.