Anyone on broodie overload?

[shelleyd2008]

So I have 3 hens in the barn who all have chicks within 3 days of each other. So now they are playing musical chicks. One of them should have 10 chicks and the other 2 should have 5 each. 1 of those 2 has 6 and the other has 3. I hate to see how many the other has snuggled up under her fluff!

My serama has 2 chicks, she left the nest early. And my OEGB are hatching, so far they have 1 (2 hens in the same nest). I think the other eggs are quite a bit later though, so if one of the hens doesn't stay on the nest I'll have to give those eggs to either the other serama hen or to the group of cochins (3 in one nest). These birds are kind of silly

 

[twinlights]

LOL, mine are sharing chicks as well. Sometimes one will have 10 other times she will have one. They run back and fourth across my barn isle switching from hen to hen.

 

[meepitqueenie]

do roosters bother the chicks or are the ok with them. was wondering if i have to remove the rooster.

 

[twinlights]

Some will, others won't, leave him and see what he does. As long as you can watch him for a bit.
I had one that would care for the chicks like the hens.

 

[shelleyd2008]

I have more problems with non-mothering hens picking on the babies, usually the roos jump right in and help out. I have 1 rooster who has taken on responsibilities for 5 chicks whose mamas are broody. Of course, the hens had already quit the chicks, but Mr. Roo doesn't care, he's feeding and leading them anyway

 

[moondog425]

Will the Hens help thier chicks hatch, Just wondering, I have another one busting out. !

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
I've seen some do it.

 

[stormylady]

4 of my mixes have gone broody and 3 silkie girls so far, last year I prayed for just one broody but no luck, this year! Whew!! I think they're playing with my emotions! LOL

 

[twinlights]

OMG, I have an explosion of chicks in my barn!!!! They are everywhere! Orloffs, Mille Fleur bantam Cochins and d'Uccles! Still have more broodies to go, Oh my!
And my little pony brood mare popped as well, its a girl!