Chick Season: When to Buy Chicks and How to Plan the Coop in Time

Every spring, farm supply stores fill up with chicks. Mississippi State University Extension points out exactly that, and it is why so many flocks start on impulse. Day-old chicks do not need a coop on day one, but they need one sooner than most people expect. This guide builds a simple timeline from extension guidance, so the coop is ready before the chicks outgrow the brooder.

When to start chicks

University of Minnesota Extension suggests that small flocks start chicks after March, since less heat is needed to brood them. Later starts mean warmer outdoor temperatures by the time the birds move out, which makes the move easier in cold regions.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests ordering at least one month before the delivery date you want. If you buy chicks in person, ask what breeds they are and whether they are pullets (young hens) or straight run, which can include roosters. Many towns do not allow roosters; check your local ordinances first.

The brooder weeks

Chicks start in a brooder: a warm, draft-free box or pen indoors or in a sheltered building. What the extension guidance says about this stage:

• Heat. Start at 90 to 95 degrees F, measured 2 inches off the floor at the edge of the heat source, then lower it by 5 degrees F each week (Minnesota). Purdue gives 95 degrees F at chick level in the first week, dropping 5 degrees F a week to 70 degrees F.
• Space. Each chick needs 1/2 square foot of brooder space from day 1 to 6 weeks (Minnesota).
• Roosts. Pullets over 6 weeks old can use roosts (Minnesota).
• Feed. Starter for the first 6 to 8 weeks, then grower, then layer feed when laying begins (Minnesota).

Cornell Cooperative Extension says to move chicks out of the brooder once they are well feathered. Purdue notes that birds four weeks and older do best at about 70 degrees F, which is where the weekly 5 degree steps end.

A working timeline

Putting those figures together, with week 0 as the day the chicks arrive:

The first eggs come at about 18 to 20 weeks of age, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and around 20 weeks, according to Minnesota. That is when the nest boxes need to be in place and bedded.

Six weeks goes fast

The coop is the deadline in this timeline. Six weeks is enough for a small coop on weekends, but not if you are also waiting on materials, a permit, or help. Two ways to take the pressure off:

1. Build first, then buy chicks. In a cold climate, building in late winter for chicks after March fits the Minnesota guidance.
2. Size and order everything in week 0. The calculator gives a materials estimate with quantities, so you can buy in one trip.

How many chicks to buy

Decide this before you go to the store, and size the coop for that number. Purdue suggests planning 10 to 15 percent more birds than you need to allow for losses. If you do that, size the coop for the larger number, since you may end up keeping all of them.

Spring checklist

• Ordinances, permits and setbacks checked.
• Flock size and breeds decided, with the coop sized for the final number.
• Brooder ready with heat, bedding, feeder and waterer before the chicks arrive.
• Coop materials bought in week 0.
• Coop finished by about week 6, including predator mesh and latches.
• Nest boxes bedded by week 18.

Next steps: how much space chickens need, and the common coop building mistakes to avoid while you rush.