Elliemae1984
Songster
Thank you!They can deal with more chicks than eggs.
I don't know what type of set up you have for the broody. If it's enclosed and no outside weather gets in, I'd give them all to her and watch.
I accidentally gave 13 chicks to a first time pullet last year. She did wonderfully and it wasn't until I'd picked her up to remove something from her foot that I saw the leg band and found I'd grabbed the wrong hen. They were a bit rough from spring molting so it was easy to mistake them. She stuck to the nest after being moved and the other didn't. I always prefer to have them raise in pairs if I can.
So if it was me I'd keep watch. I have a separate coop I like to use sometimes for the broodies. Especially first timers. Those who stay with the flock do even better as all the adults let the chicks sleep under them. Usually my roosters will park themselves next to the mama just for that reason.
I’ll start by giving her all the chicks and monitoring the situation. The coop is weather proof, access to outdoor run but it has a roof and is still plastic wrapped.
This coop also only has 4 adults currently and they all cuddle puddle where my broody decided to post up (I can’t for the life of me make her use a nesting box!) so that’s good to know they’ll help come nighttime. I was worried about the other adults sleeping near her and the chicks.
I just noticed 2 pips so the fun is beginning!