Two broody hens in one nest?

[sillygrilla]

One of my black giants went broody over the weekend, and I was planning on putting a few eggs under her on Saturday. But today I came home to find one of my buff orpingtons sitting in the same nest! It's a tight squeeze but they both fit, facing in opposite directions. I don't know if the orpington is going broody too, but if she is, I'm wondering if it's wise for 2 broodies to share a nest and eggs? My hens all get along really well, but I don't want to set the stage for potential fighting over chicks or other unforeseen conflict. Any advice?

 

[azjustin]

I think they understand when broody.

We have one broody hen which turned into three broody hens and they all cram into the same box. The only time I've seen them get sour is when I try to extract any non-fertile eggs.

I have no advice over the chick thing, just keep an eye on them and see what happens.

 

[gmatson]

I have heard of hens raising chicks together. I think they will be fine but I'm not an expert.

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

I've had lots of hens hatch chicks together. They should be fine in the same nest.

 

[SueT]

Many yrs. ago I had two broodies on one nest. Only 1 chick hatched and they shared it, but no problem.

 

[sillygrilla]

Oh, great! Little Miss Orpington is still on the nest tonight so I guess they will be sharing the chicks. I'm kind of excited to see how it works out.

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

Oh, great! Little Miss Orpington is still on the nest tonight so I guess they will be sharing the chicks. I'm kind of excited to see how it works out.

You said you were going to put some eggs in on Saturday...in the meantime, do you have something for the hens to keep them in the nest? Non-fertile eggs, or something you can replace that will keep them from getting up before you put the eggs in? It would be a shame for them to be unintentionally broken because they don't have anything.

 

[sillygrilla]

Yes. They are sitting on some plastic eggs and probably some real ones as well. I'll take everything out from under them when I get the ones for hatching.