4 Hens Raising 6 Chicks

[Matilda Belle]

I admit I was a little nervous after having put hatching eggs out for one broody hen, three more became broody. I heard so many stories of hens fighting over eggs/chicks and even killing chicks after they hatch. I wasn't sure what to expect. Let me tell you watching these four mothers raise these babies together has been the most incredible experience. It appears each of the moms has certain roles at certain times. For instance, two hens will be teaching the chicks to eat/forage, and the other two hens will be on the look out for danger. One hen will keep the chicks warm, while the others dust bath, eat, etc. Not a single fight has broke out in the past 1 1/2 weeks. These four moms make a great team. It's so beautiful to watch.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I had 10 pullets sitting on eggs in a community nest. With all the egg stealing that went on only one chick hatched and 8 of the pullets tried to mother the chick. I should have kept track of the chicks development. It was probably psychotic after that.
I also had one hen that moved herself into a brooder house and mothered over 30 chicks of various ages. It was quite a sight.

 

[Matilda Belle]

I had 10 pullets sitting on eggs in a community nest. With all the egg stealing that went on only one chick hatched and 8 of the pullets tried to mother the chick. I should have kept track of the chicks development. It was probably psychotic after that.
I also had one hen that moved herself into a brooder house and mothered over 30 chicks of various ages. It was quite a sight.

I was worried about the egg stealing too, but it never happened. I still can't believe they are all getting along so well.

30 chicks?! Wow, that would be fun to watch!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I was worried about the egg stealing too, but it never happened. I still can't believe they are all getting along so well.

30 chicks?! Wow, that would be fun to watch!

I moved them out there when they really didn't need much warmth but she flattened herself out to cover as many as she could and there was just a pile of chicks all around her. I have a picture somewhere I'll try to find.

 

[Matilda Belle]

I moved them out there when they really didn't need much warmth but she flattened herself out to cover as many as she could and there was just a pile of chicks all around her. I have a picture somewhere I'll try to find.

I'd like to see pic!