Co-Parenting?

[BecKen Acres]

Hi,
I've had hens go broody before, but this is the first time that a second hen decided to "help out", I guess? She only joined about a week ago. They are setting on 5 eggs between them. Today two chicks hatched. Has anyone had experience with this? The beige hen, Maisy, was the original mama--and the white hen came to join her. Whom do you suppose will be the dominate mother? Should I expect dominance behavior?

 

[sourland]

Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. It all depends on the personality of the hens involved.

 

[Yardmom]

Being they are choosing to sit next to each other there is a chance of it working. Normally my broody hens attack each other and the other mamas chicks. The pair I had that Sat together successfully raised all 3. (That is the only eggs I let them have)

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I've had co-sitters. It's worked for mine. I'd just keep an eye out for trouble. If they are sharing the chicks so far, it will probably be fine.

 

[Dr Evy]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to activity on BYC! Nice to meet you.
I've never had co-setters. But I would imagine it greatly depends on the personalities of the hens and how well they got along before going broody.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined our flock.

 

[Sammi_0411]

Hey from the UK! Welcome to BYC it's lovely to have you here lots of useful knowledge and advice on here and everyone trys to assist with any questions or queries.
XxSamXx

 

[swampfox440]

Hi, welcome to BYC! pleased to meet you and thanks for joining us.