Today I let my ten (9wk) old pullets out with the bigger girls for the first time..and a broody hen literally took to them like they were her own..when i locked the coop up tonight she was calling them to get under her wings..and a couple succeeded. LoL! I have 4-6 broody hens right now..and they are in one of those metal "old time" nesting boxes. I'm increasing my flock with 42 baby chicks within the next couple weeks..their arrival dates are July 17th, and July 27th. With tonights sweet antics..I would really like to see if some of my broody hens would "adopt" these chicks. I'm wondering the best way to go about this? I've watched some youtube vids..but it's usually one hen at a time...so not quite as many. I plan on setting up another adjacent coop before their arrival to put my other non broody hens in..and would be able to keep them seperated so the new chicks dont get picked on..and babies and mamas would have their own maternity coop. Also we have zero adult roosters..I feel bad for my hens that are sitting because they are trying so hard to hatch little ones. They have access to a nice big run and also free range. Any tips or tricks or advice would be appreciated. I also have a brooder that i COULD raise the chicks in too if this plan doesnt work..but I am interested to see if anyone has given chicks to so many broody hens at one time..and had a successful outcome? Thanks!
