Incubator or Hen?

[littlebantams]

Which is better for hatching and raising chicks, an incubator or hen?

 

[Kittymomma]

It's apples and oranges. A good broody will make things easier--no heat lamps, cleaning the brooder, etc. but a broody can only handle a limited number of chicks at a time and will go broody on her schedule, not yours. Hatching with an incubator is more work, but you can set as many or few eggs as you want and you can do it on your schedule. It really depends on what your goals and needs are.

 

[geebs]

I prefer the tandem method....let her sit some (who cares if they hatch) and set eggs at the same time... then give her the chicks. (bator is more reliable)... She does a better job raising them.... She is up for the task...