🐥 Why Chick Availability Drops in Fall — and Why Now’s the Best Time to Start Your Floc

As the days grow shorter and the weather cools down, chick season starts to shift. If you’ve been dreaming about starting your backyard flock, now’s the time to act—because chick availability changes fast as fall turns to winter.

Our trusted partner, My Pet Chicken, offers baby chicks year-round, but the selection narrows significantly during the colder months. At Smart Coop, we want to make sure your start is seamless—so every Smart Coop purchase includes a free chick voucher to redeem through My Pet Chicken. Just remember: winter is coming, and chick availability will tighten soon!

🌤️ Why Chick Availability Changes in Fall and Winter

Fewer Eggs and Lower Fertility

As daylight hours decrease, hens naturally lay fewer eggs. Some breeds even stop laying completely until spring. The result? Fewer fertile eggs available to hatch—and a smaller selection of chicks to choose from in the fall and winter months.

Molting Season

Fall is also molting season. Many hens shed old feathers and grow new ones for the year ahead. During this time, even reliable layers reduce or stop egg production altogether, further reducing hatch rates.

Safety in Shipping

Shipping live chicks in cold weather takes extra care. To keep them safe, My Pet Chicken increases the minimum order size during winter—from 3 chicks in warm months to 8 chicks from late November through early February. This ensures the chicks can huddle for warmth during transit and arrive healthy and happy.

If you’re thinking about starting a small flock, order soon to beat these seasonal limits.

🌻 Why Fall Is a Great Time to Get Chicks

Cozy Indoor Setup

Cooler weather makes fall ideal for raising chicks indoors. A brooder with a reliable heat lamp lets you control their environment easily—and keeps your chicks toasty while they grow.

Smaller Flocks Are Easier to Manage

In the fall, you can start small—just three chicks are enough to get your rhythm down. It’s a perfect way for new chicken keepers to learn without feeling overwhelmed.

Be Ready for Spring Eggs

Chickens usually start laying at about five to six months old. By starting now, your young hens will begin laying just in time for early spring—right when the days get longer and warmer.

Skip the Spring Rush

Spring is the busiest time for chick orders, which means higher demand and fewer available breeds. Starting in the fall guarantees you get your preferred breeds before the spring rush begins.

🏡 Prepare for Your Fall Flock with Smart Coop

At Smart Coop, we’re here to make your first chicken-keeping experience stress-free. Our coops feature double-walled insulation, automatic doors, and predator-proof engineering to keep your flock comfortable year-round.

And don’t forget—every Smart Coop purchase comes with a free chick voucher through My Pet Chicken to help you get started.

🔥 Tips for Raising Fall Chicks

Provide a Warm Brooder

Chicks need consistent warmth to thrive. Start your brooder at 95°F and lower the temperature by 5°F each week until they’re fully feathered. A quality heat lamp or brooder plate will keep them cozy without overheating.

Transition Before the Cold

If you plan to move your chicks outdoors, make sure they’re fully feathered and that daytime temperatures are mild. Gradual exposure to cooler temps helps them adapt before winter sets in.

Enjoy the Experience

Fall is a calm, cozy season to raise chicks—perfect for bonding, learning, and preparing for the excitement of springtime eggs. Enjoy the process and take plenty of photos—this is the fun part!

✨ Final Thoughts

Fewer eggs, molting, and colder temperatures all make fall and winter a more limited season for chick availability. But with the right timing—and a little Smart Coop prep—you can start your flock now and be ready for fresh eggs by spring.

Don’t wait for the spring rush. Order your Smart Coop today, redeem your chick voucher, and get your dream flock started while selection is still wide open. 🐥🍂