Hatching eggs in fall?

[AmyLynn2374]

I've read all the pros and cons but one thing not mentioned. I know several people who hatched in the fall, October until the end of November, and it was with a broody and not on purpose. The broodies hid their nests and reappeared with everything from 5 to 11 babies. In these cases, the babies survived cold temps with their mothers and it seemed easier than trying to keep them in a brooder and provide the correct heat. That seems easier than trying to hatch them in an incubator during the fall.

But..if you are looking at controlling when to hatch you can't depend on a hen going broody to do it. Being in Northern NY we get 30-40 below with wind chills, and I still would be nervous as heck to have babies outside even with a momma. Especially knowing how fast they grow and mamma can only cover them for a limited time. Not saying it can't be done or isn't done successfully. I guess it depends on your stress level reaction.

 

[zabby66]

Not sure why but people prefer hatches of the spring. Maybe because keeping the chicks warm is not a worry but this is for the cold areas. The situation might be the opposite in warmer areas. I dont have to think so much about it because my hens go broody 5 times a year!!!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Not sure why but people prefer hatches of the spring. Maybe because keeping the chicks warm is not a worry but this is for the cold areas. The situation might be the opposite in warmer areas. I dont have to think so much about it because my hens go broody 5 times a year!!!

It definitely depends on where you live. If you are in a year round warm climate, then I don't see where it would matter. Being in the north it really matters...lol

 

[GitaBooks]

In our area spring is colder then fall, and the chickens seem to know it, as a lot of our hens go broody later in the season.