Broody Hen to hatch eggs

[Cncacres]

Hello all,

I currently have 2 broody hens and want to use them to hatch some eggs. Is it an ok idea to have both in the same nesting box? Or will they fight over the eggs and it may not work. First time doing this so any advice is appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What breed hens? Bantam or LF? What are the dimensions of the box?
I've had birds steal eggs from other nests. That kind of messed things up.
I also had 8 pullets all go broody in a community nest. They stole eggs so often, out of 20+ eggs only one hatched.

 

[Cncacres]

What breed hens? Bantam or LF? What are the dimensions of the box?
I've had birds steal eggs from other nests. That kind of messed things up.
I also had 8 pullets all go broody in a community nest. They stole eggs so often, out of 20+ eggs only one hatched.

One is a silkie. One is unknown breed. I'm new to this but she is full size. Nesting box is 16x16x16.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That is probably big enough for two. But, mark all eggs under them so you can tell if any other hens are volunteering eggs and which hen is stealing eggs.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

I have a couple broodies that raised chicks together, it was so sweet! There were originally 3 broodies but I moved one to the broody pen. They were constantly playing musical nest boxes and other hens would add more eggs, I would definitely do as @ChickenCanoe suggested and mark the eggs under them that you want to allow them to hatch.

I also try to make people aware that an untested broody hen is just that, untested. Some just aren't good moms and when one proves to be a bad broody I never allow her to sit again.

On a positive note, check out these SIX co-brooding hens that were shared in the old-fashioned broody hatch-a-long!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...and-informational-thread.457488/post-22189253
Good luck on your broody hatch!!