Will you be buying baby chicks next Spring, and if so from where?

[U_Stormcrow]

Yes, I fell prey to COVID-restricted availability of chicks for my flock this year, and worse, my straight runs were somehow all pullets (except the ducks). I know, not something most would complain about...

Having recently added an actual Rooster (mixed breed uncertain) to the flock known to produce offspring, I'll be raising my own this Spring with an eye to creating a good dual purpose free ranger suitable for my climate, valuing weight and forage ability over egg production, since its just my wife and I.

 

[JadeFarms]

Smh whoever picked immune to chicken math don’t know what their in for. You cannot be “immune” to chicken math. You might think you are, but I promise you your not. There’s gonna be one who will be too cute to resist. Just wait.

 

[AntiqueB]

I bought my first 3 this summer, and one turned out to be a rooster. I had to rehome him, so now I'm down to 2, and they don't really get along, so I think I'll need to get a couple more. . .

 

[rosemarythyme]

Smh whoever picked immune to chicken math don’t know what their in for. You cannot be “immune” to chicken math. You might think you are, but I promise you your not. There’s gonna be one who will be too cute to resist. Just wait.

That'd be me. I really am immune (mostly because we don't eat THAT many eggs, and I built the coop to hold 12)... but hubby is not. He talked me into getting 4 chicks this year lol.

 

[Pullet Press]

This last year was total craziness for folks trying to find chicks and chickens. I'm wondering if there will be another big rush, or if I can postpone an order for later in the Spring. What are your predictions?

I've checked a certain hatchery webpage (McMurray) and they're fully stocked, whereas last March I only had a few breeds to select from.
I'd suggest you order for this spring soon from whatever hatchery you want.

 

[Pullet Press]

That'd be me. I really am immune (mostly because we don't eat THAT many eggs, and I built the coop to hold 12)... but hubby is not. He talked me into getting 4 chicks this year lol.

He's a smart guy, that husband of yours'.

 

[rosemarythyme]

He's a smart guy, that husband of yours'.

Definitely can't say he was "wrong" for wanting more because if it wasn't for those pullets, we'd only be getting about 2 eggs a week right now. But thankfully he does understand that this means no more chicks next year (which is when I originally planned to add on to the flock).

 

[Littlefrenchyinbigtexas]

I want to get a few silver and golden Sebright. They are so pretty. Probably from Ideal as it is close by.

 

[JadeFarms]

That'd be me. I really am immune (mostly because we don't eat THAT many eggs, and I built the coop to hold 12)... but hubby is not. He talked me into getting 4 chicks this year lol.

No if your “immune” you can’t be talked into it. You just couldn’t resist.

 

[Acre4Me]

I started ordering fall chicks a couple of years ago and love it. The chicks get big enough to go outside before cold really hits and are old enough to lay by spring. If I get spring chicks, I spend months waiting for eggs then winter hits and egg laying slows down. So far, so good.

i agree -fall chicks are great!! We do get spring chicks, mostly bc my preferred hatchery (in driving distance) does not supply the heritage breeds past July or Aug, so we get them in Feb for my kid to show “young egg layers” in 4H, which must be under 1 year old by fair time, yet laying eggs, so Feb works out. But, we’ve had fall chicks and they enjoy the warmth of the fall temps snd then are hearty enough for winter, and eggs begin early spring usually!