Tandem mothering

Molnut

Songster
Oct 1, 2015
133
56
117
Port Angeles, WA
Hello chicks enthusiasts!
I have a dilema/questions and need some guidance.
I have two hens who went broody and sat on their eggs for the required 21 days.
All went well for Hen 1 and she hatched 5 little bundles of cuteness.
Hen 2 wasn't as lucky. None of her eggs hatched. I believe she was the one taking maybe too many runs arounds the yard. Hen 1 was more focused.
Full disclosure, I am partly to blame as I wasn't ready for them and just put a bunch if eggs under them, not knowing if they were fertile or not.
The babies are now 4 days old and Hen 1 is generously sharing her peeps with Hen 2. That's a lot of enthusiastic mamas for 5 little chicks! I think.

Now, finally, my dilema questions.
Do I separate them and give Hen 2 her own chicks?
I yes, can the chicks be older than 3 days (standard mailed in chicks)? There are some at the local feed store available?
Do I leave them be?
I have removed their respective nest boxes so they would not fight for the chicks at night to get them in their own boxes. If I keep them together, I am planning to make a king size nestboxe for both mamas ans the chicks to fit. Is it a good idea or a waste of time?
I wouldnt mind more chicks as they will more likely be females than my own hatched.
I have an eggs laying business, so I like to believe. Truly, I have 130+ pets
Thanks
 
Thanks for the quick reply Ketaped. I am working on their new home right now, so it helps to decide how many "rooms" to make.
My concern is that they are only 5 chicks to share. A bigger number, such as yours, seems easier as there are enough babies to go around.They also seem to act a little stressed to me. Next door, separated by chicken wire, is another momma with 5 chicks of her own. She seems more chilled.
They are all moving in bigger quarters by the way.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom