Poultry Talk Ontario (pto.ca)

I think I have a broody brewing and am contemplating allowing her to hatch a brood. Is is a foolish time of year?

i dont think so, at least not with a broody. Ross has had broodys successfully hatch and brood in the middle of winter.

go for it!

I have had silkies brood successfully in January and I have also had them Die while brooding in January.
At this time it is not bad just have to be careful about the chicks.
We tend to grab them and put them in a brooder as it is cool at night and want to make sure they survive.
I have had guineas brood in Oct and come Nov I have keets and no auctions in site.

Yep mine run free in & out of barn I had a hen hatch Dec 2015 . Did well , same hen hatched again in early summer & just found her after missing , thought preds got her , sitting again should hatch soon . Long as hen will mother / sit on them & have regular feed should do fine . In my flock its survival of the fittest makes for less loses . Luck

Thanks for you tales--I feel better! Hopefully this goofy girl will stay on them.

I was doing yardwork a few years ago, Oct 30 and found a broody with a dozen youngens, put her in a box in the basement with a small light. She stayed there 'till xmas.

I guess it also matters what your barn/shed/coop is like for drafts and sunlight.

I have had them as late as December but that late I help with some form of extra heat. This is not that late if you have a good building..... but from experience I wouldn't do it. Resist that urge lol and don't look to these enablers lol they are a very very sick bunch of hatching freaks! Put her in a suspended cage and the cool air will stop the broodiness.

@ skinny rooster-- LOL about the enablers....I may have willingly let myself be enabled. I just put her on 8 Euskal Oila eggs last night. And i will sign up for the hatching freaks badge.... :)

I've got 4 mutt Banties 2 wk old running around &another ready to hatch soon . Always nice to see babies . Luck