Peacocks

[Charlie7]

I have read that two broodys can rear chicks together, but is there enough space for them and the chicks in the Eglu? And is there a chance that the broodys wouldn't want to raise the chicks together? Are there any downsides on having them all together?

[Griffin]

My two Gold Brahmas, Bridget & Francesca always brood together. They're joined at the hip even when they're not broody and seem to go broody within days of each other just so that they can carry on being together I think it's nice for them to have company while sitting. It's not as safe as using just one hen though, they do swap eggs regularly and the eggs can get damaged. They also have a habit of losing one or two eggs out the back of their knickers They are brilliant mums and share the task of rearing their chicks. There is no jealousy from either of them. They make a great team

[Charlie7]

That sounds good.

How many chicks should I put under them? They are both Bantam Wyandottes and the chicks will be Bantam Dotties as well.

[Lewis]

Maybe 3-5 under each?

 

There will probably be some breakages, then not all will be fertile and hatch

[Charlie7]

Thanks for the reply. Around seven chicks in total sounds good.

Will the number be the same if I introduce day old chicks?

[Lewis]

It might be a bit harder to intro 7 day olds to 2 broodies 'cos they might fight over which ones they have, and the chicks woould't just decide to run under the broody too.

[chickyhazel]

I'm not sure a or would be big enough for 2 broodies - a is big enough though. It's not the size of the thats the problem its the size of the nestbox.

[Space Chick]

If they are broody together, you could remove the roosting bars in the Eglu and make it a giant nest

[Griffin]

It might be a bit harder to intro 7 day olds to 2 broodies 'cos they might fight over which ones they have, and the chicks woould't just decide to run under the broody too.

I have to say that with Bridget & Francesca that wouldn't be a problem. Once the chicks had hatched the pair of them were happy to just sit and the chicks wandered about between the two. Quite often one Brahma wouldn't have any chicks under her at all but they were never bothered, all that mattered to them was that the chicks were there and all ok. I think also it helps that Bridget & Francesca are as thick as two short planks They just think 'oooooooo babies' and their eyes glaze over in contentment

[Lewis]

I have to say that with Bridget & Francesca that wouldn't be a problem. Once the chicks had hatched the pair of them were happy to just sit and the chicks wandered about between the two. Quite often one Brahma wouldn't have any chicks under her at all but they were never bothered, all that mattered to them was that the chicks were there and all ok. I think also it helps that Bridget & Francesca are as thick as two short planks They just think 'oooooooo babies' and their eyes glaze over in contentment

:lol:

Fairy nuff

 

When I used my as a broody coop the roosting bars were taken out (little ones placed over the nesting box) and H sat in the poo tray with a layer of Aubiose

... also means the chicks can' get stuck inbetween the roosting bars if they're taken out