Initially you don't know if the stock you get will tend toward motherhood. And first time mother's make mistakes. Which is why most people try to do both. Some breeds "go broody" more than others. Some lay forever and never want to sit on eggs.
A broody hen isn't a laying one, so sometimes people keep breeds that LOVE to brood, like cochins, silkies, sizzles and frizzles and OEGB as natural incubators to breeds that tend not to.
If I don't have a broody and I want to hatch my eggs, then I have to incubate because SUGGEST all you want, when you want a broody you cannot Make one.
Because of the risks of first time mistakes and mistakes made by hens in general, some people prefer to incubate - especially the pricier or rarer eggs. You lose fewer if you're good at it.
So it's sort of a get there and SEE thing. I want as many Bourbon Red poults and Rock chicks as I can turn out this year. So though I have broodies, I am also hatching my fool head off.
From what gets hatched I choose the next generation of better stock and move the flock up a notch and sell the rest.
Since my goal is constant improvement and replacement - I do both.
For a small laying flock, I don't think everyone does but most are ASSIMILATED. BYC has this.... affect on people. You see breeds you don't have and never thought you wanted... and then... it all sort of sucks you in.
It's easier to plan on giving in from the start - start saving for the incubator...
