Too many mamas

[Matzwd]

This is my first ever experience with hatching, and when my Ayam Cemani became broody, I put her in a pet carrier in the coop floor and gave her eggs. On day 11 (this Wednesday), she was joined in her nest by my mille fleur d'uccle. I figured I had read enough here to feel comfortable with two girls taking care of the eggs/chicks.

Twice now since then, I have found the Ayam Cemani sitting puffed up outside the nest while the d'uccle say happily on the eggs. Both times, I nudged mama #1 back inside so they can continue to co-brood. Is this a bad idea after all? Should I give the eggs just to one hen? I don't want to set anymore eggs. The girls aren't being physically aggressive to each other.

Then if that's not enough motherly love, my little black cochin bantam was also sitting on three eggs when I checked on them and collected eggs this evening. It's dark enough here right now because of weather that I put mama wanna-be #3 on her roost for the night. I hope she stays.

How would you more experienced folks handle all the broodies? I have five eggs due to hatch May 2. Let one hatch and break the other two? Let the first two hatch and break the third? Divide the eggs amongst them?

 

[aart]

Break all but one promptly, no reason to wait.
Maybe isolate the one broody so she's not bothered.

 

[Matzwd]

Thank you aart! I'm going to have to get some broody breakers going then. This situation was just becoming a bit complicated for this beginner. Your advice is much appreciated!

 

[tn_artist]

You could divide the eggs between them but in separate boxes. No extra eggs set and two happy Mamas.

 

[Matzwd]

You could divide the eggs between them but in separate boxes. No extra eggs set and two happy Mamas.

I considered this, but would it cause problems after hatch? I still have a third broody to break. She is definitely not getting any eggs. I only have five eggs that are for sure viable and one more that's iffy. I don't want all three to be on eggs and only have a couple hatch between the three hens. That would needlessly put stress on their bodies.

 

[aart]

You could divide the eggs between them but in separate boxes. No extra eggs set and two happy Mamas.

Not everyone wants to juggle multiple broodys!

 

[tn_artist]

I considered this, but would it cause problems after hatch? I still have a third broody to break. She is definitely not getting any eggs. I only have five eggs that are for sure viable and one more that's iffy. I don't want all three to be on eggs and only have a couple hatch between the three hens. That would needlessly put stress on their bodies.

I have had them fight over the babies at the expense of the babies and I just had two bantam Cochins share eggs and babies. I think it depends on the breeds and how the individual birds act. I wouldn't let me OEGB share a nest. She would be a nightmare.

 

[tn_artist]

Not everyone wants to juggle multiple broodys!

Nope, but I love it!

 

[Matzwd]

The mille fleur d'ucclewas the first to act like she was going broody, but she never got serious about it, so I didn't give her eggs. I would just put her out of the nest, and she'd go about her regular chicken business. Plus, she's super sweet and toward the bottom of the pecking order, gets pushed second a bit by the standard girls and just lays on the ground in submission. I'm not sure she has the personality to protect the babies.

The Ayam Cemani was all in on the broodiness from the get-go, and she is well respected in the flock, who I decided to give her a go at it. Suddenly, a week in, the d'uccle's hormones kicked in full force. I'm actually surprised the Ayam Cemani wasn't more forceful about getting her eggs back. If the two of them didn't mind sharing, I would have left them alone. The Cemani seems to want her own nest of eggs.

The bantam cochin was simply too late to the hatch party. I'm not prepared for another broody girl. I'm having enough fun with one in a pet carrier on eggs and two in broody breakers. Plus, I have 11 between three and six weeks in the brooder/ grow-out coop.

@aart I will try to get the Ayam Cemani and eggs closed off from the others. I need to do it anyhow for when the tinies hatch.