When should I start?

[atobols]

I have decided that I want to raise chickens. I am only interested in laying hens. I am reading everything I can find and of course trying to learn everything from BYC as well.

I do not have any coop or structures which can be converted into a coop. DH and I are totally starting from scratch.

I have found that Meyer Hatchery is just about 20 miles away, so I can run over there and get some at any time. So, here is my question.

Would it be better to read and really plan for everything and start in the spring with chicks, or should we just jump in and try it out with some chicks later this month?

Are there any benefits to starting with chicks in either the spring or fall?

 

[chicken_angler]

I would say start now that way you will learn how the chickens will deal with winter and fall and if they dont make it this year, you will know what to change. You can ask everyone here about what to do with building plans and feed types and any questions that you have!

 

[Marlinchaser]

Start now, most chickens slow down for the winter, which will be when yours will be growing, so when they start laying they will lay till next fall(hopefully), if you wait till spring then you will have to wait till summer for your first eggs.

They will be fully feathered, and able to be on thier own by the time bad weather gets here.

Also if you put off till spring, you may put off till early summer, or you will find a different interest to pursue then you will miss out on having chickens.

 

[Dustoff79]

Welcome to another newbie. Why not start the Coop now and get the chicks later this month. I too am trying to get as much info as possible, this site is outstanding and the people are great sources of info/ideas. I am building my coop now and getting everything set up and will get my day-old chicks around Oct. Since I am in San Antonio I do not think that weather is a real big issue. That way I will have eggs in the spring.

 

[vfem]

I am also very new. I played here for awhile reading and checking out other's sets up. We bought a small starter coop off of craiglist for $85 and got our chickens locally when we found the breed best for us.

I'm here constantly as they grow getting more info as they get older. I got them in July and they will be nicely feathered and ready to stand our winters. I'm already planning on more come spring, I just want a few layers for when the season starts.

I think with chickens and everything to get started we spent less then $150. We're expanding the coop size this fall so there is room for 3-4 more in the spring. Only a little over a month in and we're hooked on chickens!

Welcome by the way! Also, you know what kind of breed you guys want?

 

[ccmarie]

I'm wondering the same question (when should I start), but it's for a different reason. I would really really love to have chickens now, but I'm going to be busy with college classes and a new baby. We'd need to get a weather-proof coop (I grew up with chickens, but we lived in the desert where snow is not a problem). And then we'll be moving in a year and I have no idea where we'll end up after that... does anyone have any advice?
But hey, if your only question is about the season, I think I'd agree with the others. Go for it!