With winter approaching, now is the time to get baby chicks if you want laying hens by spring. Colt Knight, a livestock educator, explains that fall chick purchases can save money on feed and provide earlier eggs. The chicks need to spend time in a brooder before joining the flock and once fully feathered, they can handle colder temperatures.
While it may be easier to get chicks in the spring, most standard breeds should still be available to order now. Chickens typically start laying at 18-22 weeks, with egg production varying by breed. Keeping chickens laying through winter using artificial light can reduce their laying lifespan, so proper care is needed.
Winter care for chickens includes providing well-ventilated coops and wider roosts to prevent frostbite. Heat lamps are a fire hazard, but the “deep bedding” method can provide warmth naturally. This involves building up a layer of sawdust in the coop that composts chicken waste, producing warmth and reducing disease-causing pathogens.
Having laying hens in the springtime is a goal for many chicken owners, and starting with baby chicks now can help achieve that. By providing proper care and preparing for winter, chickens can thrive no matter the season.
Source
Photo credit www.bangordailynews.com
