Sitting in Winter?

[Courtney R]

Ok, well today I noticed one if my hens started sitting(or in the broody I think). A while ago I read somewhere that hens don't usually sit around winter because most of he chicks wont survive the cold. Should I let her keep the eggs or take them away... ?

 

[Ridgerunner]

In the wild it is a little hard on a broody to raise chicks when snow is in the ground. That’s why they typically molt then and stop laying until spring. But you’re in Florida and your chickens are not wild. Any snow on the ground probably won’t last very long.

For a lot of us it is harder on a broody in the winter, though occasionally someone will post photos of a broody and her chicks playing in the snow. In Florida I’d go for it.

 

[Aphrael]

Another reason chickens in the wild don't set eggs in the winter is because of the reduced availability of food. However, this is again not an issue with domestic chickens because they are provided as much food as they and their babies need by their keeper. I would say that if you want some chicks you should let her go for it. Just be sure she is setting them in a safe, sheltered spot.

 

[luvmypets]

I have a question. Ok so i convinced a hen to go broody a day ago its three days until christmas, and her eggs are due to hatch on the 10th. She is in a little box/cage thing, lots of room, in our barn, and she has lots of straw. My question is do we need a heat lamp. Btw she has a lot of different eggs Silkie, Rir, Black star, will this change anything, i got all of them from same day cause i don't want any hatching prematurly.

Thanks luvmypets

 

[gimmie birdies]

you will eventually need a heat lamp and a separate area for your hen and chicks

 

[luvmypets]

they are in a seperate area in the Broody Box