If you\u2019re looking to incubate and hatch a clutch of eggs, spring is a wonderful time to do it. Not to say that you can\u2019t also do the same thing during warmer or colder times of the year. In this article, we will go over the best time to breed chickens and what the pros and cons of each season are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Is Spring The Best Time To Breed Chickens? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The reason that the beautiful spring season is the best for breeding chickens is how easily hens become broody, the temperature outside makes for better hatch rates, and they can transition more easily from brooder to coop.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only is the “brood factor” an important aspect of the season, but the not-too-hot and not-too-cold temperatures are perfect for incubating chicken eggs. Whether or not you are going au naturale with broody hens or you\u2019re using a Brinsea incubator<\/a>, spring is the time of year when there are fewer hatch failures and better success rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The temperature outside is perfect for the incubation process, but it also allows for a smoother and faster transition from the brooder to the coop. That is, once the little chicks are big enough to handle it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can certainly breed your chickens and obtain fertile eggs during any time of year.<\/strong> Especially if you live in a climate that is warm all year round. However, there are a few pros and cons to each season that you should know about beforehand! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hands down, the consensus among farmers and backyard flock raisers is that spring is the ideal time for breeding chickens<\/a>, incubating and hatching eggs. It\u2019s the season of blossoming plants and young animals everywhere! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Spring is also a perfect time for purchasing chicks, as the hatcheries and farm stores are usually overflowing with young chickens of multiple breed varieties.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Summer is another egg-cellent season<\/a> to breed and hatch chicks. The warm weather can make for easy incubation, as long as the temperatures don\u2019t become too hot! The humidity and temperature levels are key to having successful hatches, so be sure to keep an eye on things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There should still be an abundant selection of chick breed varieties at the farm stores and hatcheries. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Autumn, or fall, is also a very manageable time of year to breed, incubate and hatch chicks. Areas that have a warmer autumn season will have minimal issues incubating eggs. Just watch that humidity level once the air starts to dry out as winter approaches! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As summer ends, the farm stores and hatcheries will have fewer breed and chick selections. Same as for you, if you are trying to sell chicks, you will have a harder time doing so in the autumn and winter months. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter brings holidays, cheer and bitter cold weather. However, it\u2019s not to say that it\u2019s impossible to breed and raise chicks in the wintertime. It\u2019s actually quite possible and by the time Spring rolls around, they should be more than ready to head outside to the coop! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip:<\/em><\/strong> If you live in a climate where you see long winters, consider looking for breeds of chicken that do the best in colder weather, such as the Australorp, Silkie and Plymouth Rock (more about these breeds here<\/a>).\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The selection of chicks at the hatcheries and farm stores will be very minimal. It\u2019s likely you won\u2019t see any new stock selections until spring. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The short and fast answer is to keep the egg incubator somewhere with consistent temperature and humidity with minimal to no drafts.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people recommend the basement or a room that has no windows. Never put your incubator near a window or an area that sees a lot of sunlight, as this will cause the temperature and humidity to change too frequently, causing hatch failures.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/chickenslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/chickens-love-spring.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCan You Breed Chickens Any Time Of Year? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spring <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summer <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Autumn <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Winter <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where Should You Keep An Incubator For Every Season? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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