One of my girls has gone broody again and I am undecided whether to break her or give her some eggs, so am seeking your opinions on the pros and cons of a hatch this late in the year. It seems unnatural. I expect her to start molting soon, so laying will cease either way I guess, but could it impact her ability to incubate and brood? And how do chicks hatching in late Sept/Oct generally fare in a temperate climate? Does shortening daylight impact their health or growth?
(Background info: First time she went broody (April) she was given three eggs and hatched two, both of which are 3 months old now. Second time (July), I put her in jail, and she resumed laying for about 3 weeks before going broody again. Chicks are raised with the flock, which is not penned.)
(Background info: First time she went broody (April) she was given three eggs and hatched two, both of which are 3 months old now. Second time (July), I put her in jail, and she resumed laying for about 3 weeks before going broody again. Chicks are raised with the flock, which is not penned.)