Winter is almost here....

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jatsma

jatsma

In the Brooder
Jul 10, 2015
23
0
34
Canada, Saskatchewan
I live in Saskatchewan, Canada and it's going to be my first time raising chickens. It's getting colder by the day and i just wanted to ask if it would be best to wait until winter is over to start raising laying hens or would it be okay to do it through the winter? I want to get hens that are almost ready to lay, so would the winter even matter?
 
As long as you take care of them well and keep them warm it should be okay. If you want to keep them laying longer in the winter I suggest putting an atrificial light source in coop as hens lay eggs longer if they have 14 hours of light a day.
 
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glad you have joined us (sorry, missed your previous new member posts)

A quick search on site failed to show a general Canada or Saskatchewan, Canada forum. But you could start a thread under "where am I, where are you" forums to locate folks closer to you to get experienced input into the question.

I have no experience except raising my hens from 3 day old chicks in Georgia, USA. But would not have wanted to miss those early fun days of brooding baby chicks in the spring.

But it seems to me that if you want hens already laying or pullets near laying, best to make sure you are getting gals that are not passed laying years. And to pose questions to those members with your climate on what breeds do well and questions on how to manage flocks in the extreme weather.

If you have not done so , you should explore the forums. You will get more attention and input posting under the other forums, or will keep getting the...
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Good luck on your plans.
 
Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

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Even though winter is coming, it would still be fine to get hens, especially if you purchase them at point of lay. They will be plenty feathered out to keep warm this winter and still be able to provide you with fresh eggs. Just keep in mind that you hens generally lay less in the winter, though you can always add some artificial light to help with this.
 
Welcome to BYC, post on the "Canadians check-in-here " thread. I would think if you get locally raised chickens they would be acclimated to your weather. Chickens tolerate cold much better than heat - they are wearing down jackets. You may also want advice on what predators on in your area & how to repel them.
 

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