chick-bee Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 As a excited newbie, is it still ok to buy new layers in October? I'm concerned that they will be still be very young, may not lay and have to cope with the forthcoming cold weather. Any advice would be helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 I always seem to get hens in September or January - they've always managed fine with anything the weather throws at them so I'd go for it . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 I got a pol just over a week ago. She's very happy and has been laying pullet eggs every day since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsunset Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 Yep, no problems. they will be well settled in before the winter. I may be getting some newbies in another 3 weeks. Got some POL last February, and existing 4 chooks not amused so had them sleeping in my green wheelie bin (on it's side) for a couple of weeks until I bought a new hen house. Had 4, then 9........fast fwd, now have 26.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 We got our last 2 lots in Sept/Oct - this means we have eggs through the winter when the older girls slow down or stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 Good time to buy them, they'll have been growing with lots of daylight and summer sun (this year anyway). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick-bee Posted September 22, 2013 Author Share Posted September 22, 2013 Thanks for the replies...getting all equipment and goodies ready for October. Quite excited as planning to contact local breeders next week to meet some lovely girls! I have planned for 3, but may be tempted with a few more...ha ha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigiga Posted September 23, 2013 Share Posted September 23, 2013 I got my lovely girls last Friday! They have already settled and seem happy! They are such characters! Go for it, they will be settled before the days get too short. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacquiefrost Posted September 23, 2013 Share Posted September 23, 2013 I've only had my 3 girls for 3 weeks, and was concerned about having missed the best of the weather, but i am very glad i have them now and am glad i didn't wait until next spring. Just hope we have a mild winter so i can enjoy them a bit more! Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted September 23, 2013 Share Posted September 23, 2013 You will be out there enjoying them whatever the weather. They are even more entertaining in the snow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 I've always got chooks this time of year too. If they are POL, then it may just be a bit hit and miss when they actually start laying. As the days get shorter then it takes longer for the birds to come into lay. But they will do eventually! They will cope with the winter just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...