How late is too late to get chicks?

[KatieSwindler]

So I had intended to have our coop ready about now and get our very first set of chicks in early spring. Due to some life stuff and family stuff getting the coop set up is taking waaaaaay longer than I thought. it might actually be late summer at the earliest before we are actually chicken ready.

I am in Chicago. What is the latest I should order chicks for them to be old enough to winter safely in the coop through a Chicago winter? Trying to decide if I should set a build-by date to push for this year or just take the pressure off myself and accept that the chicks won’t come until next spring.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

@casportpony

 

[samanthaoverton]

I lived in Illinois as a teen. September (near Litchfield) was pleasant if I remember. I think you could go as late as july. If you're worried. Then they would be three months by October. You could brood inside for a month and have it finished by August if you wanted..just to have more time...just throwing this out there.

 

[Percheron chick]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. I have started chicks in Dec, Jan and Feb in the middle of a snow storm to have them laying by spring. As long as you are not selecting small bodied Mediterranean breeds or bantams once you get them outside they are good.
If you are buying locally, most places stop stocking chickens late June. Most hatcheries pare down or stop their breed selection Oct 1st. If your heart is set on certain breeds then let that be your guide

 

[Ridgerunner]

Due to some life stuff and family stuff getting the coop set up is taking waaaaaay longer than I thought.

It usually does. That's why you are wise to get the coop done before you order.

I am in Chicago. What is the latest I should order chicks for them to be old enough to winter safely in the coop through a Chicago winter?

Where do you plan to brood them, outside in the weather or in a climate controlled area? In Arkansas, I would brood outside even when it is below freezing but I don't usually recommend that for a first timer. But if you want to brood them outside in freezing weather I'll be glad to discuss that with you. Like Percheron, winter is not a hindrance to me.

I've had chicks less than six weeks old go through nights in the mid 20's Fahrenheit with no supplemental heat. Those chicks had good ventilation up high and good wind protection down low where they were. You would need to acclimate the chicks to cold weather by exposing them to cold weather. Can you provide heat in the coop if you get an unexpected early cold snap?

What is your first expected freeze date? We all know that is just an estimate, it can be off quite a bit but it gives you something to work with. I'd probably set a drop dead date to have the chicks two months before that date. You should be OK most years, but you may get some excitement since you are dealing with weather.

Trying to decide if I should set a build-by date to push for this year or just take the pressure off myself and accept that the chicks won’t come until next spring.

Totally your choice. How sure are you that it will get done if you don't have a deadline? I know how things work around here.

 

[maryn7]

If you get them by Labor Day, they'll be 8 weeks at the start of November - fully feathered and ready for trouble. You could probably push it later because winter doesn't really start until December in Chicago anymore, but early Sept should be safe.

You've got plenty of time - and, as others have said, having the coop ready is the most important thing. And a summer start with a finished coop means you can brood right in the coop. Sounds like a dream!

 

[gimmie birdies]

Nice! It all depends on how you want them heated. I hatch chickens all year. But spring-summer is easier. I do tell myself to not set eggs, heading in to the colder months. Do I listen?

 

[cece_chickens]

So I had intended to have our coop ready about now and get our very first set of chicks in early spring. Due to some life stuff and family stuff getting the coop set up is taking waaaaaay longer than I thought. it might actually be late summer at the earliest before we are actually chicken ready.

I am in Chicago. What is the latest I should order chicks for them to be old enough to winter safely in the coop through a Chicago winter? Trying to decide if I should set a build-by date to push for this year or just take the pressure off myself and accept that the chicks won’t come until next spring.

I orded my chicks in 40-30 ish degree weather and none of them died on the way

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'm in Wisconsin. I've brooded as late as September. I personally wouldn't go later. Best by July if you can, so they have some size on them by winter.

 

[catsndogs4us]

One year I did September chicks, they did very well, acclimated fine. I'm in New Hampshire, have a large cozy coop (shed conversion) and wrap the run each year around late October. We still have those birds, they'll be 6 this September. Very healthy and hearty.