PoultryTalk.com

I have two bantam hens, both just started to lay well. I've been told by the breeder that they're likely to lay about a dozen eggs, then go broody. So, there's a possibility they'll both go broody at the same time. I've heard that you shouldn't allow two broody hens to sit near one another, because as soon as one set of chicks starts to peep, both hens will peck open their eggs (with disastrous results for the younger brood) - but if I set them both on their own eggs at the same time, on the same day, would I get away with it, because the chicks should all be at the same stage of development? The hens are sisters, fairly identical! I've never hatched any eggs before, either with a broody or incubator, so all advice very welcome!

Some young pullets will open the eggs, others sit and hatch without problem. They have to be given the experience so I would let them sit when they are ready and keep a watch on things for the 21 days. If they both start sitting together at the same time the chicks should all hatch about the same time so let them decide when they want to start sitting. I have three Serama hens sitting together in a nesting box on 30 eggs - whether they will all hatch is a gamble, but 2 of the hens have sucessfully produced and reared chicks although its a first time for the third hen.

Oh, so I could leave the two of them sitting together on one batch of eggs in one nest box? That hadn't occurred to me, I thought about them sitting at the same time, but it would make things much easier to manage to have them both in one nest box on one batch of eggs - i've got a little nest box and run, and thought I'd have to get another set, but it would be great if I could put them both in together. These little bantams are just 11 months old, so how many eggs do you think I should put under them if they sit together? And if they go broody at different times, how many for each?

hi in our experience two hens together is a recipe for trouble as both think the eggs are theirs as with the chicks and you can end up with eggs or chicks left unnattended as both birds get confused.never had anything but problems in the past but thats our experience,may not happen all the time but you need to keep a watchfull eye on them and make sure you know when there due in case you need to intervene to help the hatched chicks etc.

Thanks, fletch. I really appreciate your comments. It's good to hear from someone who has tried these things. It's very kind of you to share your experience and save some grief. I won't be putting two hens on one batch of eggs, then!

i have two broody silkies has chicks hatching now and the other has a week but the one that has a week left i will update you on whats happening