chickens hatching out of season

[Trevor blair]

I have had chickens for most of 40 years I live in northern Ireland we have 4 pekins clocking one hatched 6 chicks yesterday and another 4 hatched this morning the other 2 are still clocking they are all free range and we just found the nests lately has anyone had chicks hatch this time of year

 

[nchls school]

Being from Wisconsin, USA I am not familiar with the climate of northern Ireland. In the past I have had hens raise chicks in early spring when it froze every night and daytime temperatures stayed in the forties and fifties. I've also had hens hatch chicks in November and December when temps dropped below zero. These chicks all died. I now heat my coop. The breeds I have are not cold resistant (one member called them froo-froo chickens). With the heat I am able to allow my hens to brood and raise chicks any time of year.

Hopefully, others will reply that are from your area or an area that is similar. And welcome to BYC.

 

[MagpieDucks]

I had a chick hatch august 25th. I still named her Summer here she is!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! I'm not too far away from you over in Yorkshire, England. If your hens are good broodies you should be fine. As long as they have somewhere dry, safe and draft free to go they should be good. Can you move them so where safe? I've hatched and brooded chicks right up to the end of November using heat and they have been fine. Last year there was even snow and they were fine out in the shed with lamp on.

Wishing you the very best of luck and enjoy BYC

 

[N F C]

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

 

[MagpieDucks]

I have had chickens for most of 40 years I live in northern Ireland we have 4 pekins clocking one hatched 6 chicks yesterday and another 4 hatched this morning the other 2 are still clocking they are all free range and we just found the nests lately has anyone had chicks hatch this time of year

 

[Frindizzle]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[drumstick diva]

Glad you joined us at Backyard chickens.

 

[NickyKnack]

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to joined the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC. Cute picture!