Can I put two hens and their chicks together?

[Trickylee]

So I have 2 best-buds bantams (and 1 rooster and 5 bigger breed hens). One bantam hatched 3 chicks on the 22nd July and her little bantam friend has just hatched some today.

We only have one separate enclosure for hens with chicks, so will there be issues if I put the new bantam mama and her chicks in with the other bantam and her older ones....or will there be bloodshed? Pic of the older chicks and their mama, taken today to show their size.

I am trying to save the 'FFS, more work' from my darling husband who has just erected the extra enclosure and is a little over my chicken antics hahaha. We can probably do an internal sub-division if we need to.

Appreciate any advice! Thanks so much.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Depends on the hens.

We had four BO hatch chicks at the same time. One was an absolute witch who would have murdered all the chicks and their mothers given the opportunity. All hens were in the well house, so we erected a sturdy cardboard wall around her so she couldn't see anybody else. Two hens ended up co-hatching and co-parenting four chicks between them, and it was one big happy family. The fourth hen just went about the business of hatching and rearing her two little chicks, completely minding her own business and nobody else's.

So ... who's to say? You could give it a try and see what happens. Pay attention to body language and vocal signals, and be ready to intervene immediately if necessary. And ... have a Plan B if it doesn't work out!

 

[Trickylee]

Depends on the hens.

We had four BO hatch chicks at the same time. One was an absolute witch who would have murdered all the chicks and their mothers given the opportunity. All hens were in the well house, so we erected a sturdy cardboard wall around her so she couldn't see anybody else. Two hens ended up co-hatching and co-parenting four chicks between them, and it was one big happy family. The fourth hen just went about the business of hatching and rearing her two little chicks, completely minding her own business and nobody else's.

So ... who's to say? You could give it a try and see what happens. Pay attention to body language and vocal signals, and be ready to intervene immediately if necessary. And ... have a Plan B if it doesn't work out!

Thanks for the advice Another chicken adventure lol

 

[BigBlueHen53]

What is the chick with the white head and grey wings, right behind mama hen in your picture? Very unusual and striking-looking, looks like a mini bald eagle!

 

[Trickylee]

What is the chick with the white head and grey wings, right behind mama hen in your picture? Very unusual and striking-looking, looks like a mini bald eagle!

Haha, yes a little group of weirdos I can't wait to see them grow. So Dad is a bantam x silkie x something else. I'm pretty sure these were all her eggs (Bantam x Plymouth Rock?) - the yellow one and the black with mottled wings I'm 100% sure are roosters. Pic of Dad for you.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Agreed it just depends on the chickens. I have two that hatched out chicks on the same day and have been raising them together for the past 4 weeks. It’s a first for me having two broodies get along so well.

 

[Trickylee]

Thankyou I'm going to be very brave and put them together this afternoon and see how we go *I say brave because our two bantams have never been humanised and they hate us lol.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good luck, keep us posted!