This is about Nibbler and Xena, the oldest and the youngest from a clutch of five.

Nibbler (green) is now 10 weeks old, Xena is a little over 9 weeks old.

They are the only hens from the clutch.

They have kind of buddied up ever since dad went back to mom a month ago — Nibbler still "feeds" Xena every once in a while, and during recess they like to pal around and call to each other from across the room.

Would it be safe to give both of them as pets to a friend, to be each other's companion?

 

My friend wants them but is on the fence right now.

If the girls stay with me, how soon will it be necessary to separate them from their 3 male siblings (if at all)? The five are in a cage together right now, and are still happy to cozy up and roll around together.

 

Two hens together (whether nest mates or not) Should be fine. But the introduction of a cock will throw it off balance and squabbling will happen eventually. I'd keep them all together aslong as you like, as with more cocks than hens things should be fine. No inbreeding can happen if you don't supply a nest box so it's really up to you to seperate those who need to be seperated if a problem arises.

But the two girls in a cage with the two of them i'd say will work out fine

Thanks Libby that's reassuring! (I've only had pairs of boys before I got this mom and dad.)

I had two hens, also sisters as inside pets, and they were fine... we had the usual squabbles over perch space etc... but no more than any other pair regardless of sex.

I have two hens who get along great, too. Feeding and preening each other, following each other around and copying off the other. :happy-dancing: And they're not even sisters, they were introduced after quarantine. I'd say it's worth a try, good luck!

Thanks Maesie and Finnie, the "usual squabbles" I can live with!

I have two hen sisters in together they also squabble but thats it I just make sure there is a least always two of everything to limit the fights. Sometimes they attempt to mate with each other which is odd...

And a few months ago one of the sisters safe the others life after she became eggbound, I think they are so good together.

 

Before I had three sisters in together but then two of them fought quite agressively over the eldest so she was sold to a friend. But I surrpose it was an uneven number so It was bound to be unbalenced.

I remember that, an amazing story Jodie!

I remember that, an amazing story Jodie!

 

Yes, I hope that I helped in a small way.