Help...first time...2 broody hens!!!!!!!!!

[Ellie_NY_chick]

HI chickita, my experience this past winter went like this: it was freezing cold out (way upstate NY) and I didn't want to leave the chicks in the henhouse, so when they were one day old we took them and put them in a brooder (under a lamp) in the house. It got my chicken house back to normal a little quicker. There was only one that I stuck back under Mama because I didn't think she'd make it. Oddly she's the most aggressive hen I have right now (the baby not the Mama, that is).

That same hen is sitting on 4 eggs (none hers) that are due around 6/15.

The other hens did lay in the box so I had to mark the eggs I wanted to hatch out with a pencil. I only want these specific 4 mixes to try out so any others are breakfast.

Everyone's situation varies a little so watch your flock and go with your gut on what's right. Good luck and post pics!

 

[chloezen]

So, I as well have 3 broody hens that will be hatching chicks over the next week and a half. Do I need to separate each of the hens/chicks from each other as well as the main flock? Do they need to stay separate from the main flock for 6 weeks?

 

[suebee]

Each broody is different. I've had 2 broodys hatch together and take care of the chicks together.
I also had 2 broodys hatch, then fight over the chicks..a very serious situation.
I would definitely separate them from the rest of the flock, but maybe wait and see after they hatch on how the hens will relate towards each other. You might not have problems at all.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

I've got my 3rd batch of babies and never separated them from the other chickens. The moms have always made it clear that they are off limits. Just my experience. Right now I have 3 broody's on one nest. 7 chicks so far. Still in the main coop. Everyone free ranges all day (except the broody's) and comes in at night.

I say let them hatch. Enjoy!

 

[farmerwannabe]

Brahampooter - you say everyone free ranges except the broodies... how do you stop them? or is it by their own choice?

We, too, may have our first broodies. We'd love to let them hatch, and found this post very informative. I'd like to read more about how to best handle broodies/hatching chicks, and didn't see anything in the Learning Center. Am I missing it? Any suggestions for where to read up on the subject?

Thanks so much!

 

[RockyToggRanch]

It is by their choice. The coop is left open and they chose to stay with the eggs.