>>2270460Thanks. Put a lot of work onto them.
>>2270401Pullets will start laying in winter and continue through the cold if they're just coming of age, as long as you get some sunny days. If you're full blown snowed in kind if weather they may not.
>>2270364Like other anon said, they can survive just fine once they're feathered out. I have a batch that are just getting to the stage but freeze warning last night and tonight so I took them into the greenhouse just to be safe, (just because it's already set up for hatchlings) even though that pen has a heat lamp. This will be the last time though since it's atleast a week before it will get cold again and by then they'll be large enough.
Your biggest issue right now is going to be finding chicks. Most breeders haven't hatched recently because most people buy in the spring when they don't have to worry about temp. Week olds are usually $3-$5 but 2-4 month old birds are usually $15-$20. I would suggest paying the extra for sexed birds though so you don't wind up with half your flock being roosters (I've gotten 90% roosters and 10% roosters so it's always a gamble).
My suggestion is find breeders through Facebook or Craigslist. Local auctions are also a better option than tractor supply or major mail order hatchery.
What state are you in and what breeds are you interested in? I might be able to point you in the right direction.
