2 Mama hens and their chicks

[buffboy]

Two of my broody buffs hatched their chicks out within a few days of each other. Their respective broody pens are right beside each other so they are familiar with one another. I let the week old chicks and their mother out into the big coop yesterday for the first time and everything went great. So now I am curious when I let the second group and their mother out how will they react to each others chicks. Will it be a free for all chicken coop explosion??? Or will they all get a long for the most part. Obviously I realize each situation is different. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this. Thanks.

 

[sourland]

Either scenario is a possibility. Given the breed and the hope that you have ample space/free range, they may very well get along fine. Give it a try. Worst case scenario - you have to remove the second hen and chicks.

 

[buffboy]

Only way to know is open the door I guess. Though I am pretty sure my other hens and rooster are gonna be ok with the chicks. Especially since yesterday one of the chicks from the youngest hatch somehow got out of the broody pen and into the main coop while my other hens and rooster were in it. I was gone running errands and had no idea. Came home and they weren't even paying it any attention and it was chirping it's little butt off lol.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

My old hens are evil and attack each other's chicks but last fall I had 2 of the meanest broodys in the world mix their hatchlings and pull together to raise them. I was very surprised. I eventually booted one of the hens from the pen because I got tired of feeding expensive starter to 2 full grown hens. The remaining hen raised all 20 something chicks.

 

[gander007]

I normally keep the chicks and Momma separate for two weeks to let everyone grow to a healthy run-able size .......

 

[buffboy]

I put both hens and their chicks out in the day run all day yesterday. There were a few arguments among the two hens but nothing major. It's a pretty big day run so they have plenty of space which I am sure is making all the difference.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

Some chickens are just more nicer than others and get along well. Having a big pen helps a lot.