Can a broody be used for my 50 meaties?

[Paula321]

I have 50 meaties coming. They have their own protected space since I plan to raise them. They have heaters, heat plates and a large space safe from all other hens and predators.

One of my buff Orpingtons has been broody twice already since December. I would give her some chicks but I’m not sure how I would integrate them back with the group afterward. Can I just put all of them in there with her and the chicks can use her or the heated plate as they like? Any thoughts on this? Is there any way she will think they are all hers?

 

[NatJ]

I have 50 meaties coming. They have their own protected space since I plan to raise them. They have heaters, heat plates and a large space safe from all other hens and predators.

One of my buff Orpingtons has been broody twice already since December. I would give her some chicks but I’m not sure how I would integrate them back with the group afterward. Can I just put all of them in there with her and the chicks can use her or the heated plate as they like? Any thoughts on this? Is there any way she will think they are all hers?

It might work.
I would suggest trying it, under supervision, and see how it goes.

I have certainly read of hens that were willing to adopt large numbers of chicks, and I see you are not expecting her to keep all 50 warm at once

Are your chicks all going to be the same color? I've had times when a hen successfully adopted chicks of several colors, but I've also had times when a hen accepted some colors but not other colors. I know Cornish Cross would all look alike, but some of the other kinds of meat chickens come in a variety of colors, and you didn't say what kind of meat birds.

 

[Paula321]

It might work.
I would suggest trying it, under supervision, and see how it goes.

I have certainly read of hens that were willing to adopt large numbers of chicks, and I see you are not expecting her to keep all 50 warm at once

Are your chicks all going to be the same color? I've had times when a hen successfully adopted chicks of several colors, but I've also had times when a hen accepted some colors but not other colors. I know Cornish Cross would all look alike, but some of the other kinds of meat chickens come in a variety of colors, and you didn't say what kind of meat birds.

They will all be white Cornish crosses. Also, I’m in central Florida so the weather is nice. They can have several well heated areas to access in the broody coop. I’ll also practically live in there the first few days and I have nanny-cams that are voice activated too. That should help me hear any in distress. I hope this works.

 

[NatJ]

They will all be white Cornish crosses. Also, I’m in central Florida so the weather is nice. They can have several well heated areas to access in the broody coop. I’ll also practically live in there the first few days and I have nanny-cams that are voice activated too. That should help me hear any in distress. I hope this works.

Sounds like you've got it thought out pretty well.

Since you intend to watch carefully, you will be able to intervene if there are problems at first. And if she accepts them for the first few days, I would expect her and them to be fine after that.