Summer adventure begins in the backyard with ‘Chick Days’

Experts share why summer is a great time to get started with backyard poultry

Tractor Supply Press Release
Posted 8/8/18

ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Summer is often synonymous with tackling those must-do family projects while school is out of session. While arts and crafts, gardening, or DIY outdoor activities may come to …

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Summer adventure begins in the backyard with ‘Chick Days’

Experts share why summer is a great time to get started with backyard poultry

Posted

ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Summer is often synonymous with tackling those must-do family projects while school is out of session. While arts and crafts, gardening, or DIY outdoor activities may come to mind first, there’s an untapped adventure awaiting right in the backyard—raising chickens. And though some may associate springtime with starting a flock, experts agree that there are several benefits that make late summer a great time to get started.
“I’ve done a fair share of exploring the best seasons for raising backyard poultry,” said Jeannette Beranger, senior program manager at The Livestock Conservancy. “While there are definite perks to raising chicks in the spring, it’s important not to overlook the key advantages that make late summer months a prime time of year to add chicks to any brood.”
To offer families a one-stop shop to see for themselves, Tractor Supply’s Chick Days is returning to stores nationwide, including the Robertsdale location, through mid-September. The eight-week event features live baby chicks and ducklings in store along with the supplies and expert guidance needed to begin or grow a backyard flock.
According to Beranger, there are a variety of reasons to choose Chick Days as your late summer adventure.
“Chicks purchased throughout the next few months will actually produce more eggs during their first year compared to those purchased in the spring,” said Beranger. “Pullets purchased now will be at the right age to immediately begin laying eggs next spring, which is peak season because the days are longer.”

Becky Sunshine, a popular YouTube homestead expert and backyard poultry consultant for Tractor Supply’s Chick Days, agrees that there are key advantages to raising chicks right now.
“Raising chicks in the late summer gives your layers a leg up come springtime,” said Sunshine. “Not to mention the weather is milder, and we have more time to spend outside during these summer months.”
Beyond helping families begin or expand their flocks during Chick Days, Tractor Supply stores are stocked year-round with the supplies to properly raise and care for backyard poultry, including feed, bedding, heat bulbs and lamps, coops, and more. Enthusiasts can visit TractorSupply.com/Poultry for an expanded selection and year-round availability of poultry products and live birds.
Visit TractorSupply.com/Chicks for expert information on safe handling and care for poultry, building a chicken coop, and more. Backyard poultry rules and regulations vary by city, county and state, so check with your local government before purchasing. Learn more about in-store chick and duckling arrivals by following Tractor Supply on Facebook or visiting your local store, which you can find at www.TractorSupply.com/StoreLocator.

About Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) is in its 80th year of operation and, since being founded in 1938, has grown to become the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States. With more than 28,000 team members, over 1,725 stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website, Tractor Supply is passionate about serving its unique niche, as a one-stop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle. The Company leverages its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday prices they deserve. At June 30, 2018, the Company operated 1,725 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com.
Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At June 30, 2018, the Company operated 174 Petsense stores in 27 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.petsense.com.