When should I get chicks?

[Sarah McInally]

I'm getting ready to build my chicken coop, and would like to end up with three pet hens. When's the best time to get them as chicks? And, would it be best to get all the same breed, or does it matter if I mix them? Thank you.

 

[MagpieDucks]

Most people get them in the spring, but you can really get them almost all year long. Where are you located? It doesn't really matter what breeds you get although all breeds have different personality, egg-laying abilities etc...Are you more getting them as pets or for egg laying?

 

[Sarah McInally]

Most people get them in the spring, but you can really get them almost all year long. Where are you located? It doesn't really matter what breeds you get although all breeds have different personality, egg-laying abilities etc...Are you more getting them as pets or for egg laying?

I'm in Tucson. I'm getting them for pets; eggs are a bonus. Is O.K. Feed & Supply a reputable place to get them? I'd like to let them roam my back yard during the day (when they are grown), but wondering if they would fly over the neighbors' walls.

 

[MagpieDucks]

You might try mypetchicken.com They have a variety of breeds and they also have a chick selector tool. mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx. The feed store is probably fine also. Since you're in AZ anytime is probably fine. Since I'm in MN we have to be careful about the weather.

 

[CSAchook]

Since you are living in a desert environment (hi from New Mexico!), it should be safe to get them any time of year. For your own sake, I suggest waiting until your coop is finished to buy chicks. I speak from experience when I say it can be stressful to worry about finishing a coop when the chicks seem to be getting bigger and more energetic by the day!
The other thing you might consider is availability. In the "off season" of fall and winter it my be harder to find young chicks and you may have fewer breeds to select from. Some breeds are more friendly and others are more flighty. If you are keeping them for pets I suggest targeting some of the more friendly breeds. A good place to start might be to find out what breeds your local feed store carries. Look up those breeds online or in a book and see what temperament they have. If the feed store doesn't have breeds that suit your preferences, you may want to order chicks from a hatchery via mail. Check online for minimum order numbers and shipping dates. Many hatcheries will not ship small numbers during the cold months. I once needed young chicks in November and ended up having to buy them off craigs list

 

[MagpieDucks]

Since you are living in a desert environment (hi from New Mexico!), it should be safe to get them any time of year. For your own sake, I suggest waiting until your coop is finished to buy chicks. I speak from experience when I say it can be stressful to worry about finishing a coop when the chicks seem to be getting bigger and more energetic by the day!
The other thing you might consider is availability. In the "off season" of fall and winter it my be harder to find young chicks and you may have fewer breeds to select from. Some breeds are more friendly and others are more flighty. If you are keeping them for pets I suggest targeting some of the more friendly breeds. A good place to start might be to find out what breeds your local feed store carries. Look up those breeds online or in a book and see what temperament they have. If the feed store doesn't have breeds that suit your preferences, you may want to order chicks from a hatchery via mail. Check online for minimum order numbers and shipping dates. Many hatcheries will not ship small numbers during the cold months. I once needed young chicks in November and ended up having to buy them off craigs list

My Pet Chicken will apparently ship just 3 chicks to you area.