When to let set

[chickiedoodle]

I have five or six chickens that seem to want to hatch eggs in a big way. I would like to let them hatch out a few clutches in the spring, but don't know how warm it needs to be before I let them. Right now, we freeze at night but daytime temps are in the 50s. Sorry if this is the wrong place to post, I couldn't decided where to put it.

 

[william9792]

any time a hen will set on a set of eggs i would let her, because she will take care of there needs as far as temp till they can do it for them selfs, so let them

 

[chickiedoodle]

Well, then I guess we will give it a try. I think I would want to separate them a bit--maybe put a small dog kennel in the house so they can see their friends but not be marauded. Is it okay to put a couple setting hens together?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
That's what I intend to do. I'm going to purchase a small wire dog crate ahead of time so if I have a hen go broody I can tuck it into an unused part of the coop and move the hen, nest and all, to it.

 

[cmom]

I agree. Let mama hen do her thing. She will take good care of the babies.

 

[jossanne]

I've had two hens set a nest together. When the babies hatched, both mamas took care of them. It was marvelous, and so fun to watch.