Buying Eggs (from BYC auction)?

[ChickensXOXO]

I'm considering purchasing eggs from the auction, and I have a few questions.

Can I set them under a broody hen this late in the year (or later)?
It's late in the year, and I've had so many chicks! (a hen just hatched 6 chicks yesterday)!

However, I'm sore blue to have only had one baby Silkie!
I purchased two hens this April, and I had a few problems with the egg laying. Not to mention, I would like a more "show quality" hen and rooster.
Anyway, I know it's getting late in the game (September and all),
but I live in Southeastern NC, and our winters don't start until late, and we normally don't get a lot lower than 35ish.

So... I'm wondering if my hens would have a lot of success raising them this Fall?

Anything tips? Suggestions?

Thanks!

P.S - I'm also considering just purchasing a cockerel and pullet, so yeah. Just looking at my options.

 

[HEChicken]

Quote:
As long as they are broody there shouldn't be any issue with them raising chicks this time of year, especially in your climate. I got a batch of chicks from MPC on Sept 21st a few years ago and raised them in a brooder. They were fully feathered way before the weather turned cold and wintered very well. The nice thing was, they were still growing and maturing during the shortest days of the year when they wouldn't have laid that many eggs even if they had been old enough. By early spring they were ready to start laying and took off great guns.

 

[ChickensXOXO]

Quote:
As long as they are broody there shouldn't be any issue with them raising chicks this time of year, especially in your climate. I got a batch of chicks from MPC on Sept 21st a few years ago and raised them in a brooder. They were fully feathered way before the weather turned cold and wintered very well. The nice thing was, they were still growing and maturing during the shortest days of the year when they wouldn't have laid that many eggs even if they had been old enough. By early spring they were ready to start laying and took off great guns.

Sounds good to me! I think I will give it a go. I can always bring them inside for a day, if we happen to snow/ice or something.