Broody hen sitting outside 38 degrees etc... questions....

[armedtodream]

Hello everyone, I have an 8 month old Barred Rock gone broody who is sitting on a large clutch of eggs outside under the rose bush. I live in North Idaho & it's getting to be winter here. It was 38 degrees last night. I have 2 questions, one- is it possible for her hatch a clutch au naturale outside when it's going to be getting down to freezing? Can instincts be trusted for her to keep the babies warm enough once hatched? Thanks so much!

 

[pete55]

Its a hard one to predict as the nights are growing longer and instinct may make her give up. However if she's sitting tight the eggs should be ok and she'll know what to do. We've had geese sitting tight in a snowfall and the eggs were ok. Just keep an eye on the little ones when they hatch. Might be an idea to transfer the whole family to an outbuilding when they hatch if you can

 

[curious1969]

I agree with pete55, just keep a close eye on her. I had a broody that hatched a clutch in late October a couple years ago (I think it was her third for the year) She did fine outside for a couple of weeks (even with a small snow storm), unfortunately a predator got her one night and I ended up finishing raising her poor babies inside!

 

[armedtodream]

Thanks so much you guys!My instinct is to go with her instinct but I know they aren't infallible so just wanted to see what people with more experience thought. Thanks for the time!