will hens fight over chicks?

[greytmommy]

ok, I have 2 broodies. One has eggs that started piping yesterday. The other just started sitting a week ago. I was thinking of getting chicks for the new broody so she isn't broody as long. If I do this....will the 2 mama hens fight over chicks??? I don't want to deal with separating them.

thanks!

 

[madamwlf]

They very well could. They could also kill the chicks. Broodies can be so touchy.

 

[greytmommy]

so should I let the second broody just go? or try and break up the boody? it is a cochin, and she is VERY determined at this point.... she was trying to steal eggs from the Maran (that have eggs that have just started piping) and I was already interveining.

 

[gryeyes]

I would give her some eggs of her owm... And maybe sequester them separately. Or, give her chicks after she has set for at least a week so she's really broody; better chance of her accepting the miracle chicks you out under her at night.