We live in Maine, when should we allow a broody hen to hatch chicks?

[bullriderswife]

I have some hens that are becoming broody. Its still cold here, as we live in Maine. When should I allow them to hatch chicks? Is there an optimal low temperature limit? Thank you!

 

[50-45-1]

I also have hens thinking of going broody right now.
I am going to diswade them for at least a month more.
I think April is a good temperature wise month for new chicks.
It all depends on your set up realy.
I had a friend who boaded horses. She had a large pole barn with horse stalls, hay storage and exersize ring. In that place you could let broodys hatch all year around if you wanted to. It was always cozy with all the livestock inside.

 

[Folly's place]

It depends! It's pretty cold, and will be for at least another month. But, broodies do what they do on their own time, so that's the tricky part of the story. I discourage mine until March or April, because my broodies and chicks are integrated into the unheated coop, and the flock at one week of age, and also there's nothing but snow outside, so no yummy stuff for the chicks to enjoy outside.
If your set-up is different, then consider it.
Mary

 

[Kimmyk80]

I live in So IL and my Welsummer hen went broody in early January. I went ahead and let her hatch one egg, and kept another 7 in the incubator and took them to her on the day after they hatched (she also hatched the one she was laying on). Since then, the temps have dropped to the single digits with below zero wind chills, and momma has done great with them. She takes them out of the coop to forage and, when they start whining about being cold, she just lays on them for a while, and then they go again.