Question about fall and winter broody?

[Crs1]

I have a broody so I put 5 eggs under her yesterday. They will hatch Oct. 4
I live in KC area and it can get cold here. I hope that having them later isn’t a wrong thing to do
Is it?

 

[RollTideChicken]

My chickens are live stock more so than pets so...
I don't think you are wrong and if nothing else use it as an experiment.
Another thing to consider is: she might come off the nest a) once it gets cold or b) her hormones may change due to weather.
Would you incubate them? I wouldn't but that'd be your call.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't think there is anything wrong with it. There are some pros and cons to it, but plenty of people do it. I haven't seen a photo for a while but I have seen photos of broody hens taking their chicks for a walk through snow. It's amazing how well a broody hen can manage.

 

[Crs1]

No mine are livestock too.
Culling about 20 layers this weekend due to overcrowding so I was thinking that this would add to next year but I never thought about A&B
So experiment it is. I hope works tho. I love having chicks around with momma
I much prefer broody so no I wouldn’t incubate. Seems like a lot of thinking to me. Either broody will work or not

@Ridgerunner
That was my thought too
Nothing better than MHP
Love it

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I don't get snow... but completely agree with ridgerunner.

Noting that NOT all broody's are created equal, I have had some more worried about teaching foraging while babies would follow her around cold and mad.

The hormones are effected by light hours more than temperature. I had broodies in the breaker all winter last year. But I also allow them to raise broods if it's convenient for me. Some are obsessed!

And to me part of what encourages their broodiness in the winter season is simply because they have full time access to good nutrition, shelter and safety from predators... all these things play into "hey let's populate".

My Silkie broodies... even do mini molts while they are brooding before they finish and return to lay as usual... never having a full on molt come fall or winter. Kinda a bonus.

Good luck and happy hatching!

ETA: I won't let a pullet sit, only a mature hen.

 

[Mosey2003]

This is the perfect time of year to hatch, to me. They'll be feathered before the snow flies, they'll grow well, and they'll be ready to lay come spring.

 

[RollTideChicken]

This is the perfect time of year to hatch, to me. They'll be feathered before the snow flies, they'll grow well, and they'll be ready to lay come spring.

Exactly...

 

[Crs1]

I have two austrolorps that are excellent mommas. One is the broody the other had hers about 4 weeks ago. She takes them to the compost when I let them out and they love it. Hoping this one is as attentive
I’ve had a buff that her hatch didn’t turn out good and a pullet who tried but I discouraged So I agree with you. To young

So my two austrolorps will be here next year to do it all again

 

[EggSighted4Life]

This is the perfect time of year to hatch, to me. They'll be feathered before the snow flies, they'll grow well, and they'll be ready to lay come spring.

I basically agree... my concern is I have read about birds that come into lay during daylight increasing causing more issues with reproductive stuff like binding, EYP and such... can't find the info right now.

But... 4 chicks hatched yesterday, with more coming weekly!

 

[Crs1]

Good thing we are in daylight decreasing. I think