Can I put more chicks in with a hen who already has week-old chicks?

[lilpeepsfarm]

We had a broody hen who we put 6 baby chicks under a week ago. She accepted them and takes care of them. Today we were at TSC and we bought 6 more chicks. Do you think she will accept 6 more a week later? They are black and the first batch was brown. We were going to try putting them under her at night, but don't want to wake up to 6 dead chicks. Would she likely accept them or reject them?

 

[ChickNanny13]

I would NOT recommend it ... The age difference is too great, a day or two but a week is IMO too much to hope for.

 

[Saveria]

I have heard of people being successful with that sort of thing, but I would bet it is 50-50. She also might release them too soon because the others are older.

I think that 12 chicks are too much for a broody mom to look after, as well. It depends on the mom, but I just had one fumble having 3 to look after, so you would want to be careful and maybe keep them somewhere predator-proof.