Mad time to get chickens?

[TronaldDump]

I've bin wanting chickens for years and finally moved into a new house where I have space in the garden maybe for a couple of bantam chickens. I'm aware of the bird flu problems but there are no cases close to me. I think if we got two chickens now and a covered coop/run it would be OK to manage over the winter while it's cold and a bit miserable then we might be able to let them out for a scratch about next spring? Or is this a crazy think to do for a new chicken keeper?

Hi I think that currently the regulations prevent movement of poultry/birds, it's what usually happens during an outbreak.
Check the DEFRA website.
I also prefer to get POL hens in the Spring and would always get a trio not 2 .

Thank you @Snoredoeurve I've been looking at local breeders but they still seem to be selling. I will need to ask them. Why would you say three rather than two? (Three would also be ok)

I'd also get 3 (so when the 1st dies you still have 2, and can add a pair - so no lone hen).

I'd also be looking for a bigger covered enclosure than just a house & coop attached - they really are very small.

This is my set up, with currently 4 hens.
As we are now under housing measures for bird flu the greenhouse doors are closed and they are confined to the inside space.

If one dies you still have a pair rather than having to find another !
I never buy in the winter, only spring as there is more choice plus POL hens are usually 12-16 weeks coming into lay at 16-20 weeks.
I wouldn't really expect them to be selling POL hens now .

Oh, and housing measures were in place until 1 May this year

Just wait until the spring and then set up a good set up that can easily be adapted to keep them covered in bird flu season like the one @Chasingsquirrels has posted above. Its not really fair to have them cooped up in a tiny house/covered run all over winter. Fair enough if needs must but to actually plan to do it is cruel. It is also absolutely no fun tending to chickens confined in a small place over winter.

Thank you all for the quick advice. I'll wait for the spring and look forward to it then!

I agree it's better in Spring, they naturally come into lay as it gets lighter.
My bantams have shut up shop now

They need much more space than those tiny runs/ coops that are on every website.
Given that bird flu is likely to be with us for sometime it would be better to plan properly.

Predator proofing is vital.