Chickens being silly

[Mackenzie_Jones]

okay so we have two chickens that are broody that we are keeping in a separate area. Our speckled Sussex eggs are due to hatch the 7th and our Brahma’s eggs are due to hatch on the 18th. When our Sussex got off her eggs to eat and dust bathe our Brahma got off her eggs and sat on the sussex’s Nest! This is my first time hatching eggs with broody hens and I’m wondering: should I switch them back to their nest or will they keep doing this? Thank you if you have answers!

 

[sourland]

I would switch them back and try to arrange things so that they don't have access to one another's nests if they were mine.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Welcome to BYC!!! Glad you could join the Flock! Let me know if you need anything!

 

[ReagyEggy]

I would place them back on the correct nests. Those hatching times are too different. If it happens again, let us know.

 

[happyhens1972]

It would be a good idea to separate the two prospective mums to prevent their silliness

Firstly, nest swapping could lead to eggs being fought over, jostled, broken or abandoned.

Secondly, if a fight over eggs breaks out, you could end with one or both mums injured.

And lastly, if both mums are together when the first lot of chicks begin to hatch, you could end up with the new mum attacking the mum-to-be in order to protect her brood, the mum-to-be leaving her own eggs and stealing chicks from the new mum or, worst case, chicks being killed by either their own stressed out mum or the mum-to-be in order to protect her eggs.

Both families will be happier and safer with their own space xxx