2 broody hens = dead chicks ???

[lamelde]

I have 2 broody hens so I put them in the same pen.

I've had several eggs hatch but every time I go check - the chicks are dead - I can hear the chirping in the egg so I know the chick was alive before hatching.

Is it possible that the 2 hens are fighting over the hatchlings and killing them?

 

[JulieNKC]

I have 2 broodies sharing a nest and hatching out chicks right now. So far everyone is doing good. Are the chicks bloody/ pecked at?

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

My one broody would kill and eat them

Some are just not good mommies. OR do you have others in the coop that may be getting at them?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Some people never have problems with broodies being together, but sometimes there are problems. Sometimes they fight over the chicks and the chicks get hurt in the fights. Sometimes one will kill the ones that hatch under the other hen, even if they are sharing a nest. I personally would separate them.

 

[lamelde]

I did seperate them & it didn't help - she still killed the chick. She must be one of those that aren't good brooders.

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:
Yup, just like Ridgerunner said, soe just aren`t good broodies. Don`t give her another chance.........Pop