When Should You Order Baby Chicks for Spring?
Short answer: Order as early as you can. At Chesapeake Farm & Hatchery, 2027 orders open November 1, 2026, and hatching begins in late February 2027. Popular breeds and early-spring hatch dates fill first, so ordering in November or December gives you the best selection. At minimum, order 2–6 weeks before the hatch date you want.
How ordering works
Every chick order is a pre-order for a specific hatch date that you choose at checkout. Orders are filled first come, first served. Once a hatch date's spots for a breed are gone, that breed moves to the next available date.
- Shipped orders go out on Tuesday by USPS Priority Express and usually arrive in 1–2 days.
- Local pickup is the Wednesday after your hatch date, near Preston, Maryland.
- All chicks in one order share one hatch date. You can mix breeds as long as they're all on that date.
See availability by hatch week.
What's the best month to get chicks?
It depends on what you want.
| If you want... | Aim for a hatch date in... | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs by late summer | Late February to March | Most breeds start laying at about 4–6 months |
| The easiest brooding | April to May | Warmer weather means less heat needed and an easier move outdoors |
| The best breed selection | Order in November–December for any date | Rare breeds sell out first |
| A summer flock | June | Chicks move outside quickly in warm weather |
Chicks need a warm brooder for their first several weeks. February and March chicks will need it indoors or in a heated space. That's the trade-off for earlier eggs.
Planning timeline for a spring flock
- November: Choose breeds and place your order. Use the Breed Finder or the egg color chart.
- 4 weeks before hatch: Buy your brooder, heat source, feeder, waterer and chick starter feed.
- 1 week before hatch: Set up and test the brooder. Get it to temperature a day ahead.
- Hatch week: Watch for your tracking email, or pick up on Wednesday.
- About 6 weeks: Start moving fully feathered chicks to the coop as weather allows.
Common questions
Can I change my hatch date after I order? Orders can't be edited once placed. To change, you'd cancel and reorder, which gives up your original spot. See cancellations and refunds.
Is it too late to order in spring? No. We hatch through the season. You'll just have fewer breeds and dates to choose from.
Do you ship chicks in cold weather? Yes. We check the temperatures along your route and add heat packs based on your location and travel time. Read how we ship.
Is there a minimum order? Shipped orders need at least 6 chicks. Local pickup has no minimum.
Get on the list
Want first access when orders open? Join the 2027 waitlist or browse day-old chicks.