twin sitters

[nellynelly]

i have a hen on eggs, she is 18 days into. today, a second bird started sitting on the nest. should i stick some eggs under the 2nd? what will happen when (hopefully) the first nest hatches?

 

[Johnn]

If she is in the nest with your first broody and your first broody is allowing it, then they are co-hatching. That means they will bring them up together. You could try moving her if you want and stick some eggs under her, but if you leave her in the nest, she will most likely mother the first broodies chicks with her.

 

[nellynelly]

i have had horrible luck moving nests, so i will just leave them. i was worried that they two ladies would fight over the chicks.

i guess it does take a village (or flock). thank you.

 

[Mama2B&D&...Chickens]

Just wanted to add in my experience, last time I had two go together and they weren't sitting "together" but side by side and my mommas got into a brawl over the chicks right during/after hatching, I thought it blinded my one sweet girl so we don't allow co-parenting anymore but that's just something to look for

 

[LilyD]

I had two of my broody hens fight over the eggs while they were incubating. 7 days before hatch they kicked the eggs out of the nest and I found them on the floor so I took the eggs away from both moms. I will let them try again later but not at the same time.

 

[SwimDol03]

I too have two broody hens! So one laid on them first but it was the second hens eggs. About 5-7 days in the second hen decieded to lay next to her but they fought over eggs and now two chicks have hatched. Should I leave them together separate. When should I take the bad eggs away? Should I buy chicks for the other hen? I just rooster bc of a cat problem about 2 months ago. I really love having the babies but want to make sure of all are healthy and happy. Thanks for your info.

 

[annanimal]

I dont let them co-hatch because they steal each others eggs and then the eggs dont get the warmth that they need and rarely hatch, that is just my opinion but if you want more chicks than you can try putting eggs under the one that just started.
Good Luck!

 

[Johnn]

A lot of people have hens that co hatch great together! I know this isnt co-hatching but, i put 2 broodied together in a shed with their chicks and they didnt like each other, but then they decided to raise the chicks together which was handy as one of the mothers were killed by a Buzzard.

 

[annanimal]

Yeah, I hear that lots of people have successful co hatching but I never have, my chickens are mean!
I am so sorry to hear about your chicken...

 

[Johnn]

Yeah, I hear that lots of people have successful co hatching but I never have, my chickens are mean!

I am so sorry to hear about your chicken...

Thanks!, she wasn't the only one. They attacked her and another hen, they took her and left the other hen who looked like she died of shock (wish i had got there earlier to help) and then exactly a week later it took another