Buff Orpington Chickens

We purchased chicks from Murray McMurray as well as gathered in other chicks from various lines to start our flock of chickens.  The hens get broody if given the opportunity.  The roosters are calm-natured and not prone to become nasty.  We often go out and pick up the girls, petting them and giving them seed treats.  This summer, a friend was caring for the flock while we were on vacation.  She left the eggs out and we wound up with several broody hens.  Over the course of the week, we had about 60 eggs.  One hen accepted being moved to a safer location and she hatched out all 12 eggs left under her.  She also accepted the additional 40 or so chicks that were hatched from the incubator as her own.  We found homes for all but 17 chicks, and with some varmint attrition (thought to be a rat??), we have 11 surviving chicks.  They still climb in the cat carrier they have called home with their mother hen since hatching, and are quite the sight.