21 chicks and a hen just went broody

[AtlantisPeeps]

So about 48 hours ago, I hatched out 21 chicks! Today, one of my white Cochins went severely broody. My question is, should I let her adopt them or raise them myself? I did a test and slipped a baby under her, and she "purred" and let him nesstle under her wing for a nap. Would 21 babies be too much for 1 broody? Which is better? I love these babies dearly and wouldn't want anything bad to happen to them.

 

[lcertuche]

I say let her do all the work. Maybe this will stop the urge and she will start laying again. I had a hen that would steal the other chickens chicks. She ended up with over 20 chicks. If they think she is Mom they will follow her no matter how many. In addition, she will teach them all the life-skills they need to know and protect them from other chickens. This is the easiest way to introduce new chickens to the flock. Put them under her at night when she is sleeping.