I just found out that the hatchery's website messed up and instead of having my chicks at the end of October, they won't be available until November 19th. I'm in Northeast Pa. Typically, the worst part of winter doesn't show up until February and March. Am I crazy for starting my new flock this late into fall? I am trying to find them with an earlier hatch date but they're either too far away or have a larger minimum order than I'm ready for. And my mind is set on getting Buff Orpingtons for my first. Any opinions out there?
Relax. They will need heat but I've had chicks hatch or shipped all months but January. I raise them in an unheated building but with one or two heat lamps and lots of cools space with no problems. Just make sure they have access to a warm and a cool spot. Under the heat lamp can be up to 100 as long as they can get away from the heat. BOs raised in a cool area will feather out nicely. I would make sure they have at least a 20% protein feed like a game bird starter.
