Broodies hatching with other broodies ---w/out separating

[my4ladies]

Has anyone done this, and how did it all play out?

I have 6 chickens (1 pullet...and the other 5 are all broody right now). I will be giving ALL of them eggs at the same time once they arrive. I hadn't planned on separating them. I've used one of the broodies in the past and didn't separate her (but kept a close eye) and she did a fine job of keeping the other chickens at bay (as well as the dogs when she took her babies out for a stroll).

I was hoping I'd get lucky, and they'll all co-parent together.

Or for a bad case scenario...do you think they'll all recognize they have their own babies, or attack each other thinking the other has stolen their babies? I really have no idea what to expect!! This will be a first hatch for them, except for the one.

I'd love to hear from other people who have dealt with this situation!

 

[farm_mom]

I have a smaller pen in my coop attached the main pen that we've dubbed the nursery. I have had upwards of 7 broody hens all in this space, all with their own broods in tow with minimal problems. I find that sometimes it's just a matter of temperament. Many times, the mommas group up and raise their little ones together. Every once in awhile there will be a grumpy momma in the pack that will peck at any baby that doesn't belong to her and once in the 5 years of doing it this way have I had to separate a momma and her babies from the group. So you could always start out in this way and then separate them out later if there's a problem bird. Good luck!

 

[my4ladies]

great! thank you so much. That's exactly what I was hoping would happen! In the group there is a silkie, 3 cochins, and a Wyandotte. They Wyandotte is the only one I feel I might have a problem with. I was planning on keeping an eye on them anyway, and I'm prepared to separate anyone if I have to.

Thank you. You've helped put my mind at ease!

 

[farm_mom]

So happy to help! Good luck!