Broody Raising Meaties

[angelbabyamy]

HI, I purchased 12 Cornish X chicks yesterday. I am guessing they are a week old because they have quite a few wing feathers.

I have 4 chickens ( 3 Marans and 1 BLRW) that are broody. I haven't let them keep any eggs and have tried to break them by placing them in rabbit cages for several days. Seems they quit for a few days but then they are right back in the nest boxes.

None of these hens have ever had chicks before. Do you think that they would take these chicks? I would LOVE to have my chickens raise them instead of me. I plan on free ranging them with my laying hens as soon as they are big enough.

I didn't even think about it when I bought them and I'm sitting here this morning and it just hit me that maybe they would take them! Right now the hens are setting in the big chicken house. I have a small house I am not using and thought about moving the hens in there today will some fake eggs and see if they will settle down and then putting the chicks under the hens tonight. Any deas or suggestions??

 

[angelbabyamy]

Last night I attempted to put the12 Cornish X chicks with my broody hens. My BLRW was the only one to accept them. I would have liked to split them up, but I guess I'll take what I can get!
Yaay! I am so glad I don't have to take care of these chicks!
I have had chicks in my house since December and last week finally put the last ones outside in a little tractor!