Broody Buff Orpington and cornish X chicks

[Thassa]

Anyone have an idea how many Cornish X chicks a Mama Buff Orpington could handle?

 

[redsoxs]

Handle for what? With Cornish X chicks if she shows them the food and water, her job is done!

 

[Thassa]

I know she can handle chicks, she's been a good mama already this summer. I just don't want to get her too many!

 

[redsoxs]

I'm not sure how dependent they will be on her. They are pretty single-minded (food) little monsters and will quickly exceed the size of the hen. Good luck to you!!

 

[Thassa]

I know, I did 2 groups of them last summer and really don't want to brood them in the house again.

I tried freedom rangers this summer and really haven't been impressed with their ranging. They usually go hang out under a tree or stay in the barn. I don't think I've ever seen them go across the driveway or go out into the back yard and hang out with the rest of the flock. I know its been hot so it makes some sense, but they get let out at 6am when its still cool and make no effort to move. If I'm going to have broilers just sit around and do nothing, it might as well be cornish x again.