HATCHING USING BROODIES

[Dirty Dozen]

Hi! I have only used Silkies as broodies and brought them into the house. I have a cochin that is scheduled to hatch 6 silkie eggs end of this week. 2 feet away from her is another broodie cochin that i just put 13 silkie eggs under (bators are full!). When the 1st batch hatches, I am planning to move that hen and chicks into a separate pen. What are the chances that when the 2nd cochin see the chicks she will abandon her nest to go to them? AND, if the doesn't and stays to hatch her brood, will I be able to put her and her chicks in with the 1st hen? I have cats so there is no chance of them free ranging outside with the others! Thanx!

 

[Chiko]

first Congrats on some new chicks! I have 4 coming on Tuesday!

Anyway, My guess is that as long as the hen thats still on eggs doesn't see the other one, she'll stay sitting. I have never in my 5 years of raising chickens had a hen leave her eggs or chicks for another hens chicks. Also, if you put them together, the other hen, or the other hens chicks might peck on the new chicks. I think 2 separate pens would be your best option.

Hope I could help

 

[Dirty Dozen]

Thanx! Appreciate the input. Love to watch babies & moms together.

 

[Chiko]

No problem I love it too! I just had 2 hens hatch chicks. One is a Cochin Bantam who hatched 3 Sussex's and the other is a Splash Large Cochin who hatched 1 Sussex All 4 eggs hatched Good luck on your hatching!!