The best time to buy chickens is in spring, as they thrive in warmer weather and are more active, making it ideal for raising and caring for them.
Timing matters when buying chickens. Get it right, and you’ll enjoy healthy birds and consistent eggs. Spring is ideal, but other factors influence your decision too.
Why Spring is Prime Chicken-Buying Season
March through June offers perfect conditions for new chicks. Here’s why:
- Optimal growth temperatures – Chicks need warmth (95°F first week) that naturally occurs in spring
- Early egg production – Spring chicks start laying by fall (6 months old)
- Healthier stock – Breeders produce strongest chicks during natural mating season
- Better selection – Hatcheries offer full breed variety in spring
According to The Feather Brain, spring chicks develop stronger immunity against diseases like Coccidiosis due to gradual pathogen exposure in cooler soil.
Calculating Your Perfect Chick Arrival Date
Follow this formula:
- Check your last frost date
- Add 6 weeks (feathering-out period)
- Count back from daytime temps of 70-75°F
Example for Zone 6:
| Last Frost | +6 Weeks | Chick Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| April 15 | May 27 | April 1-7 |
Chicken Buying Options Compared
Straight Run vs Sexed Chicks
Understand these key terms:
- Straight run – Unsexed chicks (50/50 male/female)
- Pullets – Young females under 1 year
- Cockerels – Young males under 1 year
Sexed chicks cost more but prevent rooster surprises. As noted in our guide on introducing chickens to a new coop, roosters need proper hen ratios (1:8 minimum).
Chicks vs Adult Birds
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chicks | Cheaper, easier to tame | 6-month wait for eggs, need brooder |
| Pullets | Start laying soon, less care | More expensive, may need quarantine |
Essential Breed Considerations
Choose breeds matching your goals:
Top Egg Layers
- Leghorns (280-320 white eggs/year)
- Rhode Island Reds (250-300 brown eggs)
- Easter Eggers (200-250 colorful eggs)
Best Dual-Purpose
- Plymouth Rocks (200 eggs + good meat)
- Orpingtons (180 eggs + heavy bodies)
Our article on Plymouth Rock egg colors shows how breed affects your egg basket.
Space Requirements
Proper housing prevents problems:
- Coop: 2-3 sq ft per standard chicken
- Run: 8-10 sq ft per bird minimum
- Nest boxes: 1 per 4 hens
Bantams need half this space. Always provide more room than minimums suggest.
Special Considerations
Winter Chick Care
While possible, winter chick-rearing requires:
- Stable brooder temperatures
- Delayed outdoor transition
- Possible heat lamp in coop
According to Azure Farm, shipping mortality increases in cold weather.
Vacation Planning
Time purchases around trips. Our guide on chicken care during vacations shows chicks need daily attention for 4-6 weeks.
Where to Buy Quality Chickens
Reputable sources include:
- Local breeders (ask for health guarantees)
- Feed stores (often get weekly shipments)
- Online hatcheries (check shipping policies)
Always quarantine new birds for 2-4 weeks before introducing to existing flocks.