Brooding hens (I think thats what it is called)

[motherchicken]

I am pretty new at this. My chickens are only 6 months old and have been producing eggs about 3 weeks. My two little Silkies will not leave the nest. They are almost sitting on each other. I don't think they have eaten or had water for the last 3 days. The other 6 chickens and rooster just seem to be ignoring them.

Are they OK? Should I put food in front of them? Should I make them leave the coop and lock the door? Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

if they squeal and try to pick at your hand while trying to reach in or move them they've gone broody! you probably haven't seen them get off the nest but they will eventually and look for signs on baseball to softball sized poops! it's a sure sign of a hen gone broody! you may smell them before you see it too!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Sure sounds like they are broody. Are they on the nest at night?

If you want them to hatch the eggs, you'll want to mark the eggs. Otherwise other hens will add to the nest, creating a staggered hatch. This will make the hen have to choose between hatching the eggs or taking care of the babies.