two on same nest...

[littledel]

Ok, in a nutshell, I have two of my bourban reds decided to set on the same nest. All three of my hens have been laying in the nest for the last few days, which in located in a brushpile placed by me for this very thing. There are about 15-20 eggs in the nest. The two hens seem to be getting along fine for now, so is it ok to leave them alone. I am afraid if I try to remove one of them, it will start kicking and break several of the eggs.

 

[caddyeldorado2006]

they wont break just take her out of there, or take a stick to move her out.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

all 4 of my breeds do that. 3 wild subspecies and royal palms, they'll find a spot they like, and all will pile in on it.
Yes if you force one off there is a great possiblity there will be broken eggs out of it, IF they have gone broody, they get very defensive then, and will make a mess of it.
I'd just leave them alone, they'll do just fine like they are, everybody with groups, runs into this eventually.
I wouldnt let them hatch them though, they will probably get trambled the first day or two.
Keep track of the days, day or two before they hatch, pull them and put in an incubator if you have one, if not, try to get them out asap after they hatch and brood them. They just tend to get squished in group pens, and fair much better in brooders. There's countless threads every year on here with those problems
Good luck with them!

 

[littledel]

I checked last night on the nest and only one hen was on it. I guess she persuaded the other to leave because it was on the roost. Hopefully it will find another nest, lay more eggs and start setting on those.

 

[wilds of pa]

Just another thought if you want the hens to raise there baby poults..Just be careful if there are males in there. some will not be nice to the babies, but some may be good daddy's to..

you could take half the eggs and move them a turkey and a half length away from the other nest and that way you may get another hen going to if she likes the nest you make for her.. you want the new nest a turkey length and half away so the hens don't take pokes at each other while nesting..

 

[AVizcaya]

I am going to hijack this thread since it died out but still a relevant subject. Wilds of pa, have you had two broodies within that spacing hatch and brood poults? If so, did the other hen try to steal poults before hers are due to hatch? How about if they moved next to one another and are both caring for the poults AND eggs? Would there be concern? Opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

When the hen hatches the poults we seperate them to a "maturnity pen" just the hen and her poults. Works like a charm. This is one of our White Hollands from last year

I think she lost one out of the hatch

Steve