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Split-parenting

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by Mahjongg90, Sep 24, 2008.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Sep 24, 2008 #1
    Mahjongg90

    Mahjongg90 In the Brooder

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    Mar 2, 2008
    Western Slope, CO
    So, I've been fascinated by two of my hens recently. They seem to be splitting the responsibility of sitting on the eggs. My black silkie will sit on the eggs from when I lock them up at night until I let them out in the morning. Then my Golden Laced Cochin will sit on them for most of the day until about mid-afternoon when they both sit in the box together. Then, when I go to lock them up at night my silkie is back on the eggs until dawn. Is this normal behavior? And if so, who get's custody? (yuck yuck yuck) [​IMG]
     
  2. Sep 25, 2008 #2
    silkiechicken

    silkiechicken Staff PhD Premium Member

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    Jan 25, 2007
    Everett WA/Corvallis OR
    Interesting, perhaps only one is really broody (the one who sits at night), and the second just wants in. I suggest marking the eggs in there now, so any new eggs canbe removed, as the mother hen, the real one, will leave with the chicks a few days after the first hatches.
     

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