Broodies

[marjwhamond]

is it possible to do something that will encourage my ladies to get broodie?

 

[sourland]

Some think that allowing them to build up a clutch or leaving nest eggs in the box encourages broodiness. What breed are your hens - not all breeds and not all strains within a broody breed retain the 'setting' instinct.

 

[marjwhamond]

I have quite the variety. White Cochin, Partridge Cochin, EE, Australorp, danish brown leghorn, red sussex cross, buff brahma

 

[sourland]

Given the breeds that you have, I predict some broody hens in your future.

 

[JJSS89]

I imagine all of them will go broody eventually except maybe the EE and Leghorn

 

[marjwhamond]

I have 2 broodies. Hooray. Now. Here's the question: can I put them both on eggs, in the same nest box. It's big enough. I'm just wondering about compatibility both while they are setting and after the chicks hatch. Any insight or suggestions are welcime

 

[JadedPhoenix]

Some hens do well with co-brooding, others do not. The only way to find out is through experience. For this first time, I'd separate them and give them their own space. If they choose to co-parent after the chicks are born, then cool. But if they don't, you could end up with smashed eggs or dead chicks.