chicks switching mommas

[Kristyh119]

I currently have two broodies that been have been hatching eggs for the past three days. They are only about 24in away from each other. They chicks are now leaving the nest for short periods of time but the mothers are still sitting on eggs. One chick went into the other broodies box and got pecked in the beak gently. The chick still proceeded closer then went under the hen. Will my chicks keep getting confused of which hen is their mother? If so will the hens hurt the chicks that aren’t theirs? Also the hens are both black australrops that look identical.

 

[Chickassan]

Hens sometimes share broods of chicks, no worries.

 

[chickens really]

Once they imprinted to the Chicks things should go better. The Chicks know who Momma is too..

 

[TK421]

There are several stories in the archives of communal parenting by simulataneous brooders. Probably not worth any stress

 

[Kristyh119]

Thanks so much everyone.... 3 more have switched and everything’s good so far. I was also wondering if there’s a certain point I should take the remainder of the unhatched eggs. The first hatches were Thursday morning. Between the two broodies they have another 8 eggs. One just piped this morning so I know it’s not time yet. The chicks are eating and drinking so I figure it ok for them to stay in The nest longer, but any advice on when to take the rest would be greatly appreciated.