Advice please

[rooster58]

I'll see if I can explain my situation clearly. I have two hens sitting on eggs. I just finished building another 4x8 coop that I want to use as a brooder coop till the chicks get big enough to go into the big coop with the rest of my flock. The problem is one hen went broody a solid week after the other one. Can I get away with putting both hens into the brooding coop together even if one will hatch her eggs a week before the other? Or should I put them in as they complete the hatches? Or just abandon the idea of having both of them in the 4x8 coop? Any and all advice appreciated.

 

[eggbert420]

They might abandon there eggs, but I'm just guessing. Good luck

 

[birdmanmax]

I would definitely wait until the chicks hatch and then place the mamas and the chicks I the brooder coop(so the first set would go in a week before the other set). If you move the nest all together they most likely will abandon their eggs. If you move them after the chicks hatch each mama will now who's chicks are who's and protect their own again most lickely. There is also the possibility that the mothers will share the job and take care of the chicks together but they will probably only mother their true chicks.

 

[eggbert420]

I agree with birdmanmax.

 

[Pork Pie]

Personally, I'd be inclined to do as suggested above, but keep the mothers and their respective chicks separate from each other. Some mothers can be merciless with another hen's chicks.

 

[rooster58]

Ok thank you all for your replies. Great advice for sure. I think I'll wait till they hatch then move them in to their new coop. Watch them closely for problems. Separate them inside the coop if I have to.

 

[eggbert420]

Good luck

 

[rooster58]

Good luck

Thank you very much.