The Poultry Keeper

hatchitpoultry · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 28 Location: Hawkhurst, Kent

I'm new to broodys - and have certainly never had 2!

I had 1 broody almost 1 week ago, and after about 1 day of her sitting on eggs with the other chickens, I decided to move her and her eggs to what used to be the guinea pig hutch (obvioulsy completely seperate from any other chickens). She seems fine here and instantly settled there with food and water close by.

I now have a second broody (same breed - gold partridge pekin bantam). She's still out with the rest of the chickens. She's been broody for about 3 days. I want to move her to a quiter place, but only have the 1 guinea pig run.

Will she be ok with the 1st broody? They are probably sisters, altough I only bought them recently at the Sailsbury market so not sure... They're not very tame, so I'm staying away a lot - let nature do its bit without me.

But can they go together. They would be sitting right along side each other... But I don't want them to fight over chicks when they hatch or something...

HELP!

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 2041 Location: norfolk

You might be able to get away with it but it is risky. I had two japs brooding three eggs between them and it worked fine but whenever one left the nest the other stole her egg(s). It didn't matter as they just shared duties but if your hens are not so accommodating you may get a bust up and smashed eggs or harmed chicks. Probably be better to separate them if at all possible. Can you source a large dog crate and cover one end to keep out the weather? I used a tea chest and rigged up something temporary as a run.

hatchitpoultry · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 28 Location: Hawkhurst, Kent

Ok, that's great thanks. yeah I should be able to find something for her to sit in - seperate.

Thanks