2 broodies in one box

[2newcomers]

There are a dozen eggs under these girls and some should hatch any day. Any idea what will happen next??

 

[Johnn]

If they are sharing the eggs, it means they are "co-hatching" (sharing responsibilities) so once they hatch they will share the chicks and raise them together.

 

[Johnn]

Also once the chicks are about 3 days old they will get up out the nest and start moving about. They will take them out the nest before that thought to eat and drink after 24 hours.

 

[2newcomers]

That is a riot! Can't wait to see this! Thank you so much.
'

 

[2newcomers]

LOOK! It is a girl!! (or a boy)
How adorable!! The 2 mammas are calm and even let us hold the newborn. The other chickens are visiting but not threatening. I am so excited! It looks to be a mix of bantam golden roo and our Plymouth Rock Bar...it has fuzzy feet and grey spots so far.

 

[Johnn]

LOOK! It is a girl!! (or a boy)
How adorable!! The 2 mammas are calm and even let us hold the newborn. The other chickens are visiting but not threatening. I am so excited! It looks to be a mix of bantam golden roo and our Plymouth Rock Bar...it has fuzzy feet and grey spots so far.

Aww how cute. Make sure they don't fall out if the nest is off the ground!

 

[2newcomers]

Thank you! Just in time!! I went out and found the moms had the chick out for food and water, but it was about 2 feet off the ground where they are! They were guarding it, but I quickly put up a ramp that covers the edge.

 

[aart]

Cool!
More pics please.

 

[Shanty]

And Phoenix bantam hens do the same thing in Texas, only on wooden eggs!



In this case I only let them set the wooden eggs for ten days before slipping five newly hatched bantams under them. They shared duties for about two weeks and the Brown Red hen left them for the Silver Dun hen to raise. A few weeks later the Brown Red went broody again and has seven eggs ready to hatch today or tomorrow.

Aren't hens crazy!

Shannon

 

[2newcomers]

Ha! Yes...who knew chickens had such wonderful quirks and personalities? My 92 year-old mom, raised on a farm where chickens were to be eaten, can't believe they have names and like to be held! I have been busy today, with a 1 or 2-day old to watch with her 2 moms and another 3 adorable store-bought Delawares and a Light Brahma in their own world as 2 week-olds.