Will all hens set on eggs?
The method of incubation (hatching from under a setting hen or from an incubator) has no effect on whether the hatchling hens will later nest and incubate a clutch of eggs. The tendency for setting on a nest of eggs is determined entirely by genetics and seasonal weather changes (primarily changes in lighting). The primary influence is an increasing day length. A hen will become "broody" and make a nest when the hormones causing broodiness are stimulated in springtime. In summary, the method used to hatch the chick has no effect on later mating or nesting habits of the hatchlings.
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STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Until an avian flu vaccine for chickens or other alternative is federally approved, commercial poultry operations in the U.S.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- If egg prices have seemed higher than ever lately, it’s because they are, and consumers can place much of the blame squarely at the feet of the ongoing bird flu outbreak.
With highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, in the environment in Mississippi, owners of backyard flocks have to take extra steps to keep their chickens healthy.
Avian influenza poses an extremely low risk to human health and none to food safety in Mississippi, but its presence poses a risk to backyard flocks and the state’s $3 billion commercial poultry industry.
