Going broody in the winter

[Delmar]

I have a hen who is trying to go broody right now in an outside nest. If I built a shelter around her and kept her in feed and water is there a downside to having chicks hatch outside in December? Will she keep them warm enough, assuming she is a good mom?

 

[Blarneyeggs]

I am NO expert. My experience is that with our temperatures hovering right above freezing my 1st time broody hatched one of the four eggs she was on. He is now 2 weeks old and ahe is keeping him warm, fed, and safe (somewhat) from the other hens.

 

[al6517]

I think she will be fine, I have a broody right now as well setting 7 eggs, they know much better than we humans on how to care for their young and they do a dang good job of it. they have had several million years of pratice. keep her sheltered as best you can, supply feed and water and don't forget to protect her from the chicken eating critters as well.