Broody at 6 months?

[MedSchlFarmers]

Is it possible that my 6 month old Silkie pullet is broody already? Or is she sick? She had laid about 8 eggs, now she stays on the roost all day. It has been about 5 days now. No eggs. She lays on the coop floor. She cannot get into the nesting boxes. She is my only Silkie.

 

[aart]

If she was broody, I would think she would be 'setting' on wherever she laid her eggs,
or somewhere more 'nest like' rather than on a roost.
Why do you not have a nest that she can get into?

 

[MedSchlFarmers]

I do have one just for her alone. She doesn't use it.

 

[aart]

I do have one just for her alone. She doesn't use it.

Have you tried 'baiting' it with a fake egg?
Where does she normally lay?

 

[MedSchlFarmers]

Yes, we put fake eggs in it and nice bedding. She lays on the floor of the coop directly below where she is currently roosting. I've never seen her actually lay an egg, but know it is hers.

 

[carlf]

Is she puffing up and hissing when you open the coop a/o try to pick her up? If so, she's broody.

 

[MedSchlFarmers]

Suprisingly no. She has moved further and further away from the entrance so I can't grab her and put her near the food and water. She is very docile and even lets my toddler hold her typically. Today I let everyone out to free range and she came down and ate and drank. I've never seen anyone pick on her, could it be that? She did not leave the coop/run though.

 

[aart]

Suprisingly no. She has moved further and further away from the entrance so I can't grab her and put her near the food and water. She is very docile and even lets my toddler hold her typically. Today I let everyone out to free range and she came down and ate and drank. I've never seen anyone pick on her, could it be that? She did not leave the coop/run though.

Yep, sure sound like she's hiding out...either she's being picked on or she's sick or both.
I'd get your hands on her and examine her thoroughly.

 

[MedSchlFarmers]

What should I look for? She has stopped laying too.

 

[aart]

What should I look for? She has stopped laying too.

Look for anything abnormal.