Multiple Mamas

[KellyReed]

I have a small flock. 4 Silkie hens, two young buff orp hens and one rooster. They have plenty of space and are free range usually 1pm to 7 pm with the option to go in. I had a broody hen who I decided to let hatch just a few chicks. I candled and marked 4 eggs and collect the others. The thing is now two others are sitting with her on the eggs. The three girls are snuggled together on the eggs. Now that it is getting close to time for hatching do I need to separate one hen and the eggs from the flock? I would like to leave them all together and hope they coparent...they are a gentle group with no fights. They have lots of food water stations ect...I read so much on the subject but not this situation so I need advice

 

[MountainWoman73]

I don't have any advice... but that's adorable.

 

[Kessel23]

Usually with any bird I do not let them brood together because it often results in broken eggs and other issues. Never had much success with it before until last summer when I had 2 muscovy ducks hens and a RSL chicken go broody and incubate duck eggs on the same nest lol. They hatched quite a few ducklings too.

Ended up being even more unusual as they all hatched on the same date even though 2 turned out to be mallard derived, 2 were mules, and 3 were muscovies. I know for sure the muscovy has a 7 day longer incubation than the mallard derived so a hen must have slipped those eggs in at the perfect time lol.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Based on my experience with Muscovy co-broodies, I wouldn't take the risk that their current cozy arrangement might deteriorate into skirmishes that result in broken eggs - I'd separate the broody from the others.

Best wishes for a good hatch!

 

[KellyReed]

Based on my experience with Muscovy co-broodies, I wouldn't take the risk that their current cozy arrangement might deteriorate into skirmishes that result in broken eggs - I'd separate the broody from the others.

Best wishes for a good hatch!

Mine are little silkies...

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Mine are little silkies...

I saw that - and I know you said they get along well - but I'd still be concerned about the risks of co-brooding. I'll be interested in an update, if you do decide to proceed with it.