Adding heat to new momma and babies?

[Tiny raptor]

Hi all! I am introducing 6 babies to a broody next week. (hoping she takes them) I know normally the momma will provide the heat, but she is a medium size chicken, and the temps at night are around 28-38. Should I add a heat plate somewhere in the area to help her? It would be a stand on the side heat plate they could just stand in front of if heat was needed. If so where would i place it? By her? By food? off somewhere else?
Thank you for your help!

 

[50-45-1]

I would say no extra heet needed.
Mom will keep them warm
Just make sure the brooding box area is not drafty, and also that unfrozen water is always avaliable.
Good Luck!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I wouldn’t add heat. If you are worried she is too small to keep all the chicks warm, add fewer chicks. You will have to have a brooder set up in case she rejects them anyway.

 

[debid]

6 is not an excessive number of chicks for a hen to manage. I would expect her to heat them just fine and the last thing you want to do is add heat where it isn't wanted and drive her from the nest right when you are wanting her to stick to it.

 

[Tiny raptor]

Thanks all.

 

[debid]

Was the placement successful?

 

[Tiny raptor]

Was the placement successful?

It was! She took them like a good momma. The first night was great, the second night was cold, and one didn't get the heat it needed, and died. She is doing really well and the babies are too. I ended up giving her 5, with 3 being bantams. Thanks for asking!

 

[SemiSweet2391]

It was! She took them like a good momma. The first night was great, the second night was cold, and one didn't get the heat it needed, and died. She is doing really well and the babies are too. I ended up giving her 5, with 3 being bantams. Thanks for asking!

So cute. Love the pics