Broody Hens

[Corin1110]

I have 4 broody hens each about a week apart. We haven’t had a broody for years and then only had 1.

Since snakes are prevalent in our area, we are constructing a “nursery” for the hens and chicks once they hatch. My question is can I put more than 1 hen with chicks in the “nursery” or will they fight or Jill each other’s chicks? The baby coop is 5 ft x 10 ft.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. From what I recall reading, it may not be the best idea to keep both hens and chicks together. Those with direct experience will no doubt be along to advise.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

IMO, it is better to put the hen and eggs in the 'nursery' before they hatch, without other hens. Not that they'll fight but the setter doesn't need the distraction.
That's how I prefer to hatch chicks.

 

[swampfox440]

Welcome to BYC ! Good luck with the clucks . That's what we called hens with chicks in years past. A hen with chicks was a cluck . How cute they were !

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
The hens are likely to fight with each other.
How much space do you have in your coop and run? Do you free range?

 

[416bigbore]

Hello and welcome to BYC, You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members who are more then willing to jump in and help you along your journey with any questions you may have.

 

[N F C]

Hello, do you have room to make a separate space for each of the hen and her chicks?

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Under the circumstances described the hens are likely to fight and attack one another's chicks.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome to BYC!!
It will be less stressful for everyone to have the hen and her nest separate.

 

[Fuchsia]

Hello
Welcome to BYC!