When is the best time to start with chicks?

[Chelps03]

New to raising chickens, when is the best time to start with chicks? I wasn’t sure if it mattered. Thanks!

 

[Chooken Owner]

When its warm outside and it hasn’t been changing from hot to cold

 

[Chelps03]

So I can’t start with chicks inside in the fall?

 

[Chooken Owner]

So I can’t start with chicks inside in the fall?

Well if its cold where you live right now then yes

 

[SilverBirds]

You can start raising chicks whenever you want to. It's easier and most people prefer to raise them in the spring/summer. The main reason is it is easier to keep them warm. Chicks need to be kept at about 80F-90F for the first few weeks and then at around 65F+ from 4 weeks old until they area fully feathered. That's typically the temp outside in most places during the spring and summer which means that the chicks can be kept outside at just a few weeks old. In the fall/winter the chicks will need more heat and may need to be kept indoors longer (which is very difficult once they start to get big).