What is the best time of year to incubate? Pros and con's?

[itsmed55]

I'm new to raising chickens. I would like to raise a few layers/pets and plan to start incubation mid to late February. My thoughts are that the outside temps will start to warm up buy the time I can start taking them outside a couple times a day to get them ready for the coop. Also, at what age should they be ready to be graduated from the brooder to the coop? Thanks to eveyone for their imput. BYC is great!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Welcome, I'm new to BYC too, but not to chickens, lol. They should be ready at about 6 to 8 weeks to live w/out heat lamp. Some say earlier, some say later. Best to judge is when they are fully feathered out w/out any down fluff left. Taking them outside for longer and longer periods of time during the day is great for acclimating them, good thinking! Good luck and hope that helps!