We've got a bit of an unforeseen problem in that we have two broody hens sitting on separate nests and one (possibly) broody sitting somewhere in the hedgerow on a nest (but we don't know where). So three broodies in total.
All three are estimated to hatch roundabout the same time, give or take 2 - 4 days difference.
Will the missing broody come back to the main coop once the eggs have hatched?
What is the best way to integrate all of them to the main flock? Will the mothers protect their own chicks and/or will they peck the other's chicks?
There is plenty of space during daytime for everyone to stay out of each others way, but for the night we currently have 2 broody coops and one large main coop, so nothing for the runaway mum. However we could partition one of the broody coops into two.
The runaway broody wasn't part of the plan, but nature ain't perfect and if she comes back with a bunch of fluff balls, then I won't complain.
All three are estimated to hatch roundabout the same time, give or take 2 - 4 days difference.
Will the missing broody come back to the main coop once the eggs have hatched?
What is the best way to integrate all of them to the main flock? Will the mothers protect their own chicks and/or will they peck the other's chicks?
There is plenty of space during daytime for everyone to stay out of each others way, but for the night we currently have 2 broody coops and one large main coop, so nothing for the runaway mum. However we could partition one of the broody coops into two.
The runaway broody wasn't part of the plan, but nature ain't perfect and if she comes back with a bunch of fluff balls, then I won't complain.