Hatching Winter Eggs

I was surprised today to find that both my Blue Slate Turkeys and Guinea Fowl have started laying again. The Turkeys haven't laid since August and the Guineas not since October.

Eggs were all ice cold but I am wondering what are the chances they are fertile? I really didn't expect them to lay when the days are so short but maybe the recent mild weather has fooled them all? I notice the males are acting as though it were springtime (ahem!)

I guess I should check. I don't want to start incubating now, but maybe in January if the laying continues!

I guess it wouldnt hurt to try, but all depends on if the males are active. I know my male turkeys are not breeding my females, but then again my females are not laying either? Could be just the nice spell fooled them and they will stop when it gets cold again.

Thanks Hidden - the toms and the rooster are very active suddenly (sounds of protesting hens..) but I think you are right, next cold snap this may all be over.

Good for cooking anyway!

I have never found mating activity related to the weather. I gather and set eggs all year round. I have the same fertility rate in January and February as I do in April and May, which is 100%.

I think weather might affect when a hen decides to go broody (if she has any sense) but I do not think it affects mating frequency or fertility in chickens. At least it never has in mine.

Excellent.

I think you could really get a jump on the season if you could incubate them, seriously. But...the quandary lies that how to house the youngsters. Got room for them for a couple of months til they are old enough to face the cold? I know. My hens are pumping out eggs now like there is no tomorrow and I am faced with that ol' thing....should I? Shouldn't I? Could have a bunch of nice point of lay birds come late spring....such a thing to think about, gotta ponder and then ponder some more, smiling. Beautiful day wishes for us all, CynthiaM.

Great minds think alike Cindi. I can incubate no problem but until the new pig barn/shop is done there really isn't space to keep the poults warm and happy (and not smelling up the house!!). Next year yes, but this year we just aren't ready yet.

The big barn will have a special "warm room" for weak piglets, incubating eggs and yes, brooding chicks and poults and keets. Can hardly wait!!