Two hens broody in one box?

[Baybrio]

I have two Faverolles hens that seem to be brooding eggs, together, in one box. Is this typical or do you experts think they might be sick?

These are my first hens and I don't really know what to expect. They are about 16 months old. I assume they are brooding eggs because they've been in the box for two days, when I put my hand in the box I can pet both of them, although they sound a little like they are growling at me. Typically these hens are not very fond of being touched.

Any advise would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

I would consider it normal. I have two silkie hens that are brooding in the same box as we speak. This is their second clutch that they will hatch together. Just be careful though. Once the chicks hatch they may fight over them. Nothing serious, mine just pulled each others feathers out.

 

[WriterofWords]

Normal for some, they like company. Others don't want anyone else near them. I have 4 sharing broody duties on one nest right now.

 

[joanie_maine]

Oh heck no, any broody is a good broody!!

You may notice as you go along with having hens and eggs that hens use each other.

They lay eggs in each others boxes and then one or two hens decide to brood.

And then other hens hop in and add more eggs!

Another great thing about a broody hen is that you can grab eggs from elsewhere and put them under her up to a certain point.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i had a bad experience allowing two hens to brood eggs together. They were constantly fighting over the eggs, and as soon as the first chick hatched they started pecking it to death.

But if your hens are not sitting on fertile eggs, then i would just let them hang in there together. If they brood too long, though, you should make sure to pull them out to eat and drink, if they aren't doing that on their own.

 

[Baybrio]

Thanks for the reassurance and advise. I'm so excited at the`prospect of having little faverolles and or Buckeye/ faverolles X's.

I'll be sure and watch closely when they start to hatch.