How late is too late to hatch eggs? September hatches?

[mountaintopchicken]

I have the same winter conditions as Akane, only perhaps a smidge colder. We get wicked winds coming off of the mountain, too. I have been so tempted to get the incubator going one last time. I had two broodies I had intended to use a couple of weeks ago, but wanted to clean the coop before I let them set.

After chasing them out of the coop for the day so I could clean it, their broodiness faded out. But I still want those chicks. I think it would be too much worry to start a hatch now by incubator, though.

 

[BantyHugger]

We had a duck hatch out November 2nd. She had 2 babies but the predators try to bulk up in November and they were easy prey. We kept the lone one in the house for a month and then let the mom have her back. She was big enough we had no more trouble. I don't recommend hatches after Oct unless you want to live with the poo smell for a couple months while they grow feathers and learn to regulate their own body temp.

 

[katrinag]

I have to agree with the above. Poo smell house is not on the top of my list.