Is it too late to raise chicks in Iowa?

[ladykewp]

Is it too late to get chicks in Iowa? We plan on using the eglu which advertises itself as insulated and sufficient in any temperature. If it’s not too late, when can they start living in the eglu in winter temps?

 

[p4PaDuck x2]

Is it too late to get chicks in Iowa? We plan on using the eglu which advertises itself as insulated and sufficient in any temperature. If it’s not too late, when can they start living in the eglu in winter temps?

There really is no chick raising season but there is a prime time to raise them. You will just have to keep them inside longer and make sure you VERY GRADUALLY take them outside. If it was me though, I would wait till the spring.

 

[ChicNmom]

They would need to be fully feathered before moving outside permanently. I usually start taking mine out for day trips so they get used to the coop and view it as home and bring them back in at night.

I would be more concerned if you have cold damp fall weather there.
That seems to have caused more chicken health problems for me. Especially if it's really warm for a few days and then he temps drop suddenly.

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

I live in Wi and raised chicks around this time last year. I used my brooder plate outside with them after they outgrew the brooder. Its was still in the 50s and 60s in the day 30s in the night. Mine had heat until fylly feathered at 7-10 weeks. And probably a little after. So yes with proper temperature aclimation they could be ok.

 

[nuthatched]

Eglus are built for places where it doesn't get very hot or very cold (Britain), they're also poorly ventilated, and about a third if the size the should be for the amount of birds they say it can hold. I'd strongly advise against them.

 

[Logar]

Eglus are built for places where it doesn't get very hot or very cold (Britain), they're also poorly ventilated, and about a third if the size the should be for the amount of birds they say it can hold. I'd strongly advise against them.

I agree completely. We spent around $1000 on ours and ended up selling it for $700 before even moving the chickens into it due to everything you said.