11/04/2026
Some very good information regarding hatching eggs at this time of year, copied from Chloe's Poultry page.
There is actually a season when it comes to fertile hatching eggs and itâs something many people donât realise, especially when weâre so used to seeing eggs available year round at the supermarket.
Right now, we are heading into a period where purchasing fertile eggs to hatch at home (either in an incubator or under a broody hen) is not recommended, and that period generally runs through until late winter.
So why is this?
At this time of year, many hens are going through their annual moult. During this process, they stop or significantly slow down laying while their bodies focus on regenerating feathers in preparation for the colder months ahead. Feather production is incredibly demanding, and it takes priority over egg production.
As a result:
⢠Egg production drops
⢠Fertility rates decrease
⢠Egg viability can be lower
Even when a hen does lay, she is diverting much of her energy and nutrients into feather regrowth, rather than into producing a strong, nutrient rich egg suitable for hatching.
Roosters are also affected during this time. They moult as well, and their fertility can decline because reproduction is simply not the bodyâs priority while they are regenerating. As a result, this time of year naturally comes with lower hatch rates.
That said, we do continue hatching here at home on our farm every week. This allows us to closely monitor fertility as we move toward the new season, and it means we can still offer chicks available weekly, even while egg fertility is at its seasonal low.
Understanding that poultry operate in natural cycles, rather than supermarket supply chains can make a big difference to your hatching success. Timing really is everything when it comes to fertile eggs.