Is it fine for hens to hatch eggs in October???

[Tarheelman]

I have never let my hens hatch any eggs. I live in North Carolina and I was wondering if I could let them hatch some? If I can will I need to do anything for the chicks or will the hens take care (and keep warm) or do I need too? Thanks for the help!!!!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Welcome to BYC! A good broody can hatch and raise chicks any time of year. Provide the hen appropriate housing and she will provide all the care and warmth the chicks need.

 

[RJSorensen]

I try to 'limit' my birds to no later than the first of October, due to just how cold it can get here. I don't see where you are located, so I don't know if the bitter cold affects you and your flock. For some, I suppose they could let broodies year round, as noted in the real estate business, location, location, location. Plus there is always the, if there is a will there is a way method. As a practical matter for me I curtail all such activities around of the month.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

ALSO:

 

[Tarheelman]

Thanks for the help! I live in Asheville North Carolina just so you know

 

[aart]

If it can work in January in Michigan, it can work in NC anytime...tho I wouldn't do it again.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/947046/broody-in-michigan-winter

 

[Ridgerunner]

It’s harder to raise chicks in bitter cold than in warmer times. What would only be an inconvenience in the heat of summer could become a tragedy in bitter cold. North Carolina is not bad and within five weeks of hatch the weather won’t pose a problem anyway. Especially raised outside by a broody they will have feather out nicely and be able to handle the cold.

A broody certainly can hatch in North Carolina in October and I’d expect a pretty successful result but your risk of problems are a little higher than they would be in summer. If I had a hen go broody she’d get eggs to hatch and I'm probably a little colder than you.

 

[Tarheelman]

One more thing is that if I do let her hatch some chicks do I need to put the rooster somewhere else? Will he kill the chicks? They are Rhode Island Reds. And thanks everyone for the help

 

[Ridgerunner]

You hear so many bad things about roosters being dangerous to the flock on here and practically all of it is just crap. Chicks have been raised by broody hens with the flock since there were chickens. If they are exposed to the chicks at an early age practically any dominant rooster will think they are his offspring even if they are a totally different color and look nothing like him. Some dominant roosters help Mama take care of the babies, some don’t, but most dominant roosters will protect their entire flock, babies and all. I’ve never seen a dominant rooster even threaten a chick, let alone do harm.

Non-dominant roosters can be a bit less helpful but if they are mature they are not likely to threaten the chicks. Cockerels, males that are not yet mature, can be more of a risk but Mama usually has no problem teaching them to leave her babies alone.

I think a lot of people confuse an immature adolescent cockerel with a mature flock master. There is no comparison, they are totally different things in behavior. Even with a lot of cockerels being raised with the flock I’ve never had a problem with them harming the chicks. Mama takes care of that.

You do not need to separate the rooster. You need to leave the rooster with the flock so he can take care of all his flock.

 

[aart]

You hear so many bad things about roosters being dangerous to the flock on here and practically all of it is just crap. Chicks have been raised by broody hens with the flock since there were chickens. If they are exposed to the chicks at an early age practically any dominant rooster will think they are his offspring even if they are a totally different color and look nothing like him. Some dominant roosters help Mama take care of the babies, some don’t, but most dominant roosters will protect their entire flock, babies and all. I’ve never seen a dominant rooster even threaten a chick, let alone do harm.

Non-dominant roosters can be a bit less helpful but if they are mature they are not likely to threaten the chicks. Cockerels, males that are not yet mature, can be more of a risk but Mama usually has no problem teaching them to leave her babies alone.

I think a lot of people confuse an immature adolescent cockerel with a mature flock master. There is no comparison, they are totally different things in behavior. Even with a lot of cockerels being raised with the flock I’ve never had a problem with them harming the chicks. Mama takes care of that.

You do not need to separate the rooster. You need to leave the rooster with the flock so he can take care of all his flock.

Ditto Dat^^
My mature rooster was about the only bird mama would let near the chicks and he helped keep the other girls away from the chicks and would tidbit for them.

 

[donrae]

Agree with the aboves about roosters. In my experience, the other hens are going to be the ones to peck at the littles and teach them manners. The rooster will protect them and find them food. I'm not sure if he's really into taking care of the chicks, or if he's just trying to impress Momma

. Either way, roosters are rarely the issue with new chicks. Honestly, if I had a rooster kill chicks or young birds, I'd be having enchiladas for dinner that very night.