Autumn Hatching

[Naser]

Hi All
Due to work and family commitments, I have to hatch in Autumn, I have incubator, electric hen and predator proof cage and brooder, I live in Ireland the temperature doesn't go really below 41°F in Autumn but the days get shorter and shorter everyday. I can put up light and timer but I don't know how many hours and do you turn on the light in the evening or morning, and how many hours
I have ancona and white leghorn roosters and ancona, white leghorns and brown leghorn hens.
Any tips?

 

[Ridgerunner]

We all have to do what we have to do because of our unique situations. I've hatched with an incubator in the dead of winter in temperatures below anything you will see, as well as the heat of summer and the milder though changeable of spring. I haven't hatched in the fall, but I don't see any real issues due to the season. Is there anything specific you are concerned about?

My brooder is in the coop so I have some huge temperature swings I have to deal with, in winter sometimes going from below freezing to the 70's F in 36 hours. If you are brooding in a climate controlled house the seasons shouldn't matter until you are ready to take them outside. Your Irish climate is so mild that should not be a big issue.

One tip I will give is that if you have not finished the coop, get it done now, well before you even have chicks. Life has a way of getting in the way of finishing building projects on schedule so finish it well before you even have a chance to need it.

If you have any specific issues I'll be glad to chat about them but regardless of the season they need food, clean water, protection from predators, protection from weather as required, and heat as required.

 

[oregonkat]

@azygous has a wonderful article on brooding chicks outdoors and your Irish climate should allow you to do it. The light situation is part of the natural cycle and the chicks will grow with it, I dont think you would need to supplement.

 

[Naser]

Thank you Both

 

[sumi]

Hi, I'm in Ireland myself and I think hatching later in the year would be fine. My only concern would be those ridiculously short days we have in winter! But at this time of the year they will do just fine without supplemented light etc.