When should I order my chicks?

[missydcpc]

We'red wanting to start with our chickens (chicks) in March. I've already contacted someone local to me on here about getting a few of hers...but for the other breeds...if I'm going with a hatchery, when do I need to place my order?

 

[Oregon Blues]

Unless it is an unusual breed, the hatcheries can handle orders with short notice. A couple of weeks is probably going to work.

However, the hatcheries will also take long range orders, so you could order now and be extra sure to get what you want in the week you want it.

It does depend upon what you want and who you are getting it from. I will wait a full year for the geese I want. Orders have to be far in advance because they are sold out very early each year. Regular hatcheries seem to have that breed available all the time, except not near the quality.

Cornish Cross, on the other hand, I will order on short notice and pay attention to the suitability of the weather for shipping.

 

[bobbi-j]

It depends on what kind of chickens you want and where you're ordering them. So, once you figure out what you're looking for, find a few hatcheries or breeders that carry them. Call those places and ask them when you need to order so you can get your chicks when you want. I'm looking at getting a heritage breed of chickens. The one breeder I contacted already has 25 orders for spring delivery and suggested I order soon if I want my chicks in the spring.

 

[missydcpc]

Thanks, I don't think we're looking for anything too difficult. So I'll start looking to decide which hatchery/breeder I want to use! Thanks

 

[1muttsfan]

There are a lot of great breeders right here on BYC. Try posting what you are looking for on your state thread, you might find someone local who has what you want.