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Hatch chicks in August or wait to next spring?

Discussion in 'Incubating & Hatching Eggs' started by woodman, Aug 2, 2011.

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  1. Aug 2, 2011 #1
    woodman

    woodman Out Of The Brooder

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    Sep 6, 2010
    Is it too late to start incubating and hatching some eggs in August here in Maine, so hopefully they are feathered out enough for winter weather, and will start laying early next spring?
    Else if I wait until next spring to raise chicks I won't have new layers for another year.

    Lost this past spring's chicks to a predator and my remaining older flock is not laying well any more.
     
  3. Aug 2, 2011 #2
    SundownWaterfowl

    SundownWaterfowl Overrun With Chickens

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    Southern Columbia County NY
    Quote:I usually incubate until September. The birds will start laying next spring. Go for it. Since they will be young when winter comes, I would keep a heat bulb on at night.
     
  5. Aug 2, 2011 #3
    chicmom

    chicmom Dances with Chickens

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    Strasburg Ohio
    I think the answer is yes, you can incubate and hatch this time of year, even in Maine. I'm in Ohio, and I would do it now if I wanted to....(I'm just all hatched out) LOL

    As long as you feel you can keep them warm enough until they get fully feathered, and you really can with a heat lamp, I think it will be fine.
     

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