Broody hen

[krystin07]

I've got a hen who should have some eggs hatching later this week (I'm looking for some chicks hatching near their date to add a few more since 6 out of 12 had life but out of those 6, 3 were quitters, but that's besides the point). I have another hen who just went broody yesterday (), will the chirps from the first broody hen's chicks cause the second hen to break her broodiness, or will I have to find some other chicks with breeds I'm interested in? (Don't want to hatch my own eggs right now)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally no. The other hen may get a bit agitated, or she may just ignore it all.

 

[krystin07]

Generally no. The other hen may get a bit agitated, or she may just ignore it all.

How long should I wait to give the 2nd broody hen chicks?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How long should I wait to give the 2nd broody hen chicks?

Depends on the hen. Not every hen knows what to do with chicks. Generally it's best to wait a couple of weeks. With experienced hens sometimes they take them from the start. Novice hens are hard to guess.