New chicks arrived 1 hour ago! This year we ordered 35 males that are all different breeds (so many, in fact, that we have no idea which ones are which), and just like last year, we are cordially inviting the broody hen to raise them for us.
We know it's best to sneak the chicks beneath mom at night, when all chickens are rather dazed, but we decided to see what would happen if we snuck in all 35 in the day. It partially succeeded; she took about 8-9 underneath her before starting to peck at all the ones that were wondering about. Given yesterday's snow, it's a bit chilly outside, so we quickly snatched up all the unlucky chicks for a second attempt this evening.
In the mean time, all the non-mommed chicks are in a box with food, water, and sources of warmth.
