Second hen has moved in to help?

[Chrischiken]

So we had a broody hen, we decided to put some fertile eggs under her as were expanding the coop. Our other hen has now after a week decided she also wants to be a mum and has moved in to help brooding.

There has been no fighting, they're getting along great, taking it in turns sitting on the clutch while the other goes to do a gigantic poop and eat and drink. Then sitting next to each other and keeping things warm in between.

Aside from the benefits of giving the first hen a break every now and then is this bad, risky to the eggs? confusing to the first hen who started brooding the clutch? Or risky in regards to normalising leaving the eggs unattended?

Should I seperate the hens or let them continue as a strong couple.

 

[GodLovesU]

I have had the same thing happen except mine just alternated.I never had a successful hatch however.

 

[Perris]

I had the same thing happen here very recently, and had all the same concerns you've expressed. They hatched on 11 August and it has worked out brilliantly - better than with just one broody for all involved I think - so I would let them continue. Here for reassurance

 

[Chrischiken]

I have had the same thing happen except mine just alternated.I never had a successful hatch however.

Yes I should add that I have been candling and 5 out of 6 eggs are developing very well, one egg seems a bit behind the others but still looks okay.

 

[Chrischiken]

I had the same thing happen here very recently, and had all the same concerns you've expressed. They hatched on 11 August and it has worked out brilliantly - better than with just one broody for all involved I think - so I would let them continue. Here for reassurance
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Great success one yesterday evening and one more this morning, should hopefully see the rest over the next few days

 

[Perris]

Congratulations!

 

[Eggs_Over_EZ]

Nothing like girls sticking together! We had this happen and they both hung out with the chick in the yard to teach it.