Is it alright for more than one Broody Hen to hatch and share chicks?

[Yucky_ducky_kentucky]

I have 2 broody hens sitting on 7 eggs that are due to hatch next week. Should I worry about this? Can there be more than 1 mommy hen for chicks and can they peacefully share chicks together? Or will they become violent against of each other and fight over the chicks? Do I have to choose 1 to be the mommy?

 

[Ebony Rose]

Depends on the broody hens, some will share the work and others prefer to do it solo. Watch them and their behavior to discover the answer for your flock.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

I doubt they'll fight eachother. Mine never have. IDK if it's just my birds.

 

[CLSranch]

I wouldn't worry. If they all hatch out at the same time one hen will "win" that little battle and the other may go back to being broody. Something you can take advantage of. If they do not hatch at the same time the 2nd will stay on and finish the batch raising the hatch rate.
If you want them broody and want to hatch more you can take the 2nd hen and isolate her from the current nest with more eggs, depending on how long she has been setting. A good way to get more chicks of your chosing since you pick the eggs for her.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

It's a risk. I have had some work well and some kill the chicks because they didn't want the other hen to have them

 

[Cinnamon Roll]

My Buff Orpingtons hatched eggs on the same day last summer and they fought over chicks. One chick got hurt and limped for 2 days (she’s fine now).

I would watch closely and have a separate area set up in case they squabble.

 

[tigger19687]

Can you isolate 1 hen with all the eggs, the better of the 2 in rearing chicks, and try to UN-Broody the other hen?

Personally I have no knowledge other then when my Silkie went broody she not only STOLE all the eggs but she would sit on the HEN that was trying to lay an egg
hahahaha

 

[janiedoe]

I've had good luck with broodies sitting together and sharing chicks.
I also have one who won't sit but does "baby sitting" duty and occasionally takes a chick or two for her own, but she doesn't fight with the broodies. She just lures them away.
My flock is pretty laid back. I don't think you will know how yours will react until you try.