I really need some advice!!!

[jrhodes]

I have six baby chicks that are a day old. I have 3 hens that are claiming them. All 3 of these hens sat on the nest for 3 weeks. Do I just let them fight over the chicks or should I take one hen and give them all to her? I also have 2 other hens sitting on six eggs in the same nest. I'm worried they will suffocate the chicks. :What is up with all of this? I'm kinda new at this and I don't want all these broody hens. Am I gonna have the same problem when these six eggs hatch out today or tomorrow. And.........one more question....Is it exactly 21 days for an egg to hatch?

 

[SpringChickens]

I would separate one hen off and give all the chicks to her. Otherwise, the hens may kill the chicks in their fight over them. Do the same thing with the two broodies on the other nest.

It is usually 21 days, but it can vary a few days either way.

Also, if you have a broody hen which you don't want to be broody, you can separate her in a small cage with NOTHING even slightly resembling an egg for her to sit on. After she lays an egg, you can return her to the general population.