[mabel b]

After many years of thinking about it, have decided at last to get some hens. Is autumn a good time or would I be better to wait till the spring? Any pros or cons about this?

[Roughlee Handled]

If you go for POL (Point of Lay) from 19+ weeks or age then they may not lay till spring. Depending on Hybrid or Pure breed and what type of pure breed.   So you can get chickens when ever you want really. Give the chickens as much space as you can and make it secure. I would suggest minimum of 2m per chicken.

[Roughlee Handled]

Oh and welcome to the mad house.

[newhen]

Hi,
I have just got my first chickens, they are lovely. Great fun. I'm really enjoying it.
I would recommend it.

[woodside farm]

Just as long as your new chickens are used to being outside there is no need to wait 

Michelle xx

[nzdunn]

welcome to the fourm, go for it, it will be the best decision ever, looking forward to your piccys  nickyx

[parsleypig]

I think now is a great time to get chickens.  We got our first lot this time last year and two out the three were laying within a few weeks.  We have just got three more and they have all started laying already. 

I believe I read somewhere that if you get hens at POL in the spring they moult in the autumn (and stop laying) but POL in the autumn we go through until the following autumn before having a moult.  Others here will know better than I.

[beulah59]

Ex-batts would already be laying ... not that that's the reason for having them as they may not lay for long or at all.

Getting hens in the autumn may be a good time if you don't like getting up early ... as the days shorted they wake up later and go to be earlier!