one peahen, multiple clutches

[MIchelleZ]

Help! I have one peahen and one peacock (India blue pied). Last year she laid in April and hatched 2 chicks in May. Then laid again in June and hatched 2 more. This year, she laid in April and hatched 4 chicks in May (out of 5 eggs). She just laid 5 more eggs and is sitting them. The yearlings from 2011 were moved out of the pen in March. The chicks from May are still in the pen. Is this normal?

Thanks!

 

[zazouse]

Did you ask them?
just kidding,

My chickens do this but my peas are still young and not yet laying so i don't really know.
Congradulations on the babies.
Now you must learn that i must have a visual when you post about such beauties .
So do ya got any photos to share?

 

[MIchelleZ]

no photos yet. I've been remiss.

 

[Kev]

Yes normal. Hens can either raise one brood per year or two broods per year. not too common for three broods though, perhaps if a hen laid REALLY early like in January(it happens occasionally).

Several of my free range peahens at old place liked to raise two clutches per year but many did stick to only one brood as long as the chicks were surviving. Hens that lost their chicks usually tried nesting again the same year if it was not too late in the year(past mid-summer).

 

[Teva]

Yes normal. Hens can either raise one brood per year or two broods per year. not too common for three broods though, perhaps if a hen laid REALLY early like in January(it happens occasionally).

Several of my free range peahens at old place liked to raise two clutches per year but many did stick to only one brood as long as the chicks were surviving. Hens that lost their chicks usually tried nesting again the same year if it was not too late in the year(past mid-summer).

That answers my question, thanks! I was told they only have one brood per year. When my peahen showed up in June with her brood, I took them away from her immediately. She came back today with four new babies! I'm letting her raise them this time.