As the days grow shorter and the weather cools down, it's important for aspiring chicken keepers to know that the availability of baby chicks will soon change. While My Pet Chicken—our trusted partner for all things feathered—offers chicks all year, the selection narrows significantly as we head into fall and winter. If you’ve been thinking about starting a flock, now is the perfect time to act before seasonal factors impact the availability and shipping of chicks.
At Smart Coop, we want to make sure your first step into backyard chicken keeping is a smooth one. That’s why we offer free chick vouchers with every coop purchase, so you can get started with your dream flock. But remember, with winter approaching, chick availability is about to become limited!
Why Chick Availability Changes in the Fall and Winter
Fewer Eggs and Lower Fertility
Chickens naturally lay fewer eggs during the colder, darker months of the year. Some breeds even stop laying entirely, and when they do lay, fertility rates tend to be lower. This means fewer eggs are available to hatch, leading to a limited selection of chicks in the fall and winter months.
Molting Season
In the fall, many hens go through molting, a process where they shed old feathers and grow new ones for the year ahead. During this time, even the breeds that are good winter layers often reduce or stop laying altogether. This further limits the availability of baby chicks.
Safety in Shipping
Shipping live chicks during the colder months can be tricky. To ensure they arrive safely, My Pet Chicken increases the minimum number of chicks required to ship in winter. From late November through early February, the minimum order size is raised to 8 chicks (compared to just 3 in the warmer months). This is to help keep the chicks warm and safe during their journey.
If you’re considering starting a small flock, now is the time to act before these restrictions come into play!
Why Fall is a Great Time to Get Chicks
Cozy Indoor Setup
Fall’s cooler temperatures make it perfect for raising chicks indoors, where you can control their environment more easily. A brooder with a heat lamp will keep your chicks warm and safe as they grow.
Smaller Flocks are Easier to Manage
During fall, you can order a smaller flock (just 3 chicks!) which is perfect for new chicken keepers. Raising a few chicks at a time allows you to get the hang of things without feeling overwhelmed.
Be Ready for Spring Eggs
Chickens generally start laying eggs around 5-6 months old. By getting your chicks in the fall, you’ll have fresh eggs by early spring—just in time for the warm weather and longer days.
Skip the Spring Rush
Spring is the busiest time to order chicks, and that means high demand and limited availability. By starting your flock in the fall, you can avoid the spring rush and guarantee you get the breeds you want before they sell out.
Prepare for Your Fall Flock with Smart Coop
At Smart Coop, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our coops are designed to keep your flock safe and comfortable year-round, with double walled insulation, automatic doors, and predator-proof features. And don’t forget—when you purchase a Smart Coop, you’ll receive a free chick voucher to redeem through My Pet Chicken.
Tips for Raising Fall Chicks
Provide a Warm Brooder
Indoors, your chicks will need a heat source, like a heat lamp, to stay warm. Start with the brooder temperature at 95°F and lower it gradually as your chicks grow.
Transition Before the Cold
If you plan to move your chicks to an outdoor coop, make sure they’re fully feathered and that temperatures are mild before transitioning them to their Smart Coop.
Enjoy the Experience
Fall is a quieter, more relaxed time to raise chicks, giving you plenty of time to learn and bond with your new flock.
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