broody hens taking turns?

[ivoryhoof farm]

I decided to let our broody hen hatch some eggs. We got some eggs from a
neighbor, She is so happy! This morning I found her off the nest, out taking a dust bath and grabbing a bite to eat! Another hen was on her nest sitting on her eggs! Could they be taking turns or is she just chick-sitting for her friend?
Just love these chickens!

 

[wynedot55]

well you could have 2 broodies sitting on those eggs.or you could have 1 laying her eggs with the broodies.

 

[tfpets]

Or you could have both, like I do! I have two Broodies, little sisters that look alike and are sharing a nest, and when they get up for a stretch together, their nest gets taken over by a Mottled Houdan, who lays an egg for them and then leaves! I have to go get her egg out from under them later, their others are marked, so they only keep them. I think most chickens are less disturbed by their own nest swapping than by our interference, although mine are used to the routine and quite friendly about it now.