Why Autumn Is the Smartest Time to Get Chickens

I know. Most people say spring. And look — there’s a case for that. But if you’re a beginner homesteader trying to ditch the store and take back control of your food supply, autumn has some serious advantages.

So let’s break it down properly.

By the end of this post you’ll know:

Autumn is a winding-down season.

The veggie garden is slowing.

Preserving season is nearly done.

The frantic spring rush hasn’t started yet.

If you’re new to homesteading and you’re not juggling breeding programs, fibre prep, or kilos of produce — autumn gives you breathing space.

And chickens? They need time and routine more than anything.

Autumn gives you both.

This isn’t about randomly grabbing whatever’s available. Timing matters.

You’ve got two solid options.

This is my favourite autumn strategy.

At 14–16 weeks, they’re:

• Fully feathered

• Hardy enough for cooler weather

• Still young enough to settle into your routine

They’ll mature through winter.

Now here’s something most beginners don’t realise:

Chickens don’t stop laying because it’s cold. They stop laying because of reduced daylight hours.

As the days start lengthening after winter solstice (even if it still feels freezing), their bodies kick into gear.

So if you bring pullets home in autumn:

• They settle in.

• They establish pecking order.

• They mature quietly.

• Then boom — late winter/early spring eggs.

Not a flood straight away.

But a natural, healthy start.

If you’re happy to run a brooder, this is also a brilliant option.

Here’s why:

• Raise them through autumn.

• They grow out over winter.

• They hit 20+ weeks right as daylight hours increase in spring.

That means your first proper laying season lines up beautifully with nature.

Important caveat:
If you live somewhere that starts snowing in two weeks — maybe wait until spring.

But most Aussie climates? Autumn chicks work just fine.

Let’s save you a headache.

❌ Don’t buy random older hens expecting winter eggs.

❌ Don’t mix birds from five different backyards.

❌ Don’t buy mixed ages for your first flock.

Keep it simple. Same age. Same source. Healthy birds.

Ask breeders:

• Hatch dates

• Vaccination status

• Breed specifics

• What feed they’re currently on

If changing feed — transition slowly over 1–2 weeks.

I cannot stress this enough.

Do not bring birds home without a finished coop.

Not “nearly done.”

Not “we’ll finish it this weekend.”

Done.

Minimum Setup Requirements

• 1 nesting box per 3 hens (but honestly… add one extra)

• 20cm of roosting space per bird

• Secure predator-proof latches

• Wire mesh buried 30cm into the ground around the coop

• Good airflow without drafts

Foxes are clever.

Raccoons (for my US friends)? Even cleverer.

If it can be opened, dug under, or climbed over — it will be.

Pro Tip: The Sunset Check

Stand inside the coop at dusk. If you see light coming through gaps, predators can get in.

Fix it now.

Let’s talk feed.

Base Feed: Quality Layer Pellets, this is their proper meal, with complete nutrition and balanced protein (usually 16–18%). You will get consistent results.

Scratch mix?
That’s chicken lollies. Use it strategically — for training, not daily feeding.

Call them. Throw a handful of scratch.

The bright corn pieces grab attention fast.

Soon enough, when you call — they run.

Very helpful when you need them back in before dark.

If raising day-olds:

• Use chick starter (medicated or not — your call).

• Transition gradually to grower, then layer feed.

And from 6–8 weeks onwards, offer shell grit.

Shell grit acts like teeth in their crop.

Without it, they can’t properly process food.

Fresh water daily. No slime. No mould.

Autumn pasture quality drops — especially for free-range birds. So ensure they have plenty of clean water to help with digestion of the pellets.

This is where families get impatient.

Chickens need:

• 20 weeks (ISA Browns and early layers)

• 24–28 weeks (heritage breeds like Brahmas)

And early eggs?

They can be:

• Tiny fairy eggs

• Odd shapes

• Inconsistent timing

It’s normal. Their bodies are adjusting. Be patient. The steady rhythm will come.

Let’s keep this practical.

Week 1 – Research & Book

• Call breeders or hatcheries

• Confirm availability

• Set a realistic pickup date

Week 2 – Build & Secure Coop

• Finish it completely

• Predator-proof it properly

Week 3 – Buy Feed & Supplies

• Pellets

• Waterers

• Feeders

• Shell grit

• Bedding (if using it)

Week 4 – Bring Your Birds Home

• Settle them in

• Start your routine

• Begin training with scratch mix

Simple. Doable. Capable.

I’ve been keeping chickens properly for nearly nine years now here at Mojo Homestead — and I grew up managing egg and meat birds long before that

Chickens are one of the most practical first steps in ditching the store.

They:

• Reduce grocery bills

• Turn scraps into protein

• Produce fertiliser

• Teach kids responsibility

• Connect you back to your food

Autumn gives you time to get it right.

And getting it right from the start? That saves money, heartbreak, and stress.

If you do start your autumn chicken journey, tag @MojoHomestead — I genuinely love seeing new flocks come together.

Life is too short to eat store-bought eggs.

— CJ 🐓