2 broody hens

[Catastrophic]

My silkie first became broody 1 week prior. Then my Buff Orpington became broody. At first all was good, then the silkies first egg hatched and then the next day we found it missing and we assumed the flock ate the poor chick. We found the silkie acting normal and doing its daily routine after it died. Then the next day we found it in the coop and we assumed it went broody again and then lifted it up and found two chicks under it. So I brought them inside with food and water and are in a broodernwith the mother at the moment. My question is should I leave the Buff Orpington with the chicks in the coop or should I should I take it with the chicks to my house or should I just take the chicks?

 

[1muttsfan]

It would be a good idea to separate the mother with her young until the chicks are old enough to protect themselves in the flock. Which hen has the chicks? If the Silkie, did she steal the two chicks from the Orp? Is the Orp still sitting on eggs?

While it is possible to have hens brood in the general population, there are all kinds of problems that can arise. If you have a truly broody hen you should be able to move her to an enclosed area where she can brood and hatch her chicks unmolested by other birds. That way other birds can't sneak eggs in the nest, or steal chicks if they are also broody, as well as protecting the chicks from unfriendly or worse adult birds.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They both have chicks? I would let them keep what they have. I suggest separating broody hens and chicks. Other birds in the flock may try to kill them. Chicks generally need around 2-3 weeks to be strong enough to keep out of trouble.