Broody hen

[Shorty22366]

I have a silkie who hatched 4 chicks 2 weeks a go. She is still taking care of chicks but she is starting to lay again. Is this normal?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Normal - no. But I had that happen once, a hen started laying 2-1/2 weeks after she hatched so it is not totally unheard of. When I went down there I saw the chicks wandering around all confused and thought something had eaten the hen, but no she was on the nest laying. She was the only hen I had that laid a green egg, there was no doubt she was laying.

That hen weaned her chicks a few days later, at 3 weeks.

 

[Shorty22366]

Normal - no. But I had that happen once, a hen started laying 2-1/2 weeks after she hatched so it is not totally unheard of. When I went down there I saw the chicks wandering around all confused and thought something had eaten the hen, but no she was on the nest laying. She was the only hen I had that laid a green egg, there was no doubt she was laying.

That hen weaned her chicks a few days later, at 3 weeks.

She actually had them in the box with her as she laid. She was only one inside and I watch her. I was cleaning rest of coop. She is a great momma.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I think this falls in "you can never tell what living animals will do when it comes to behaviors". They are all unique.

Can you please post in here when she weans them? I'd like to know.

 

[Shorty22366]

I think this falls in "you can never tell what living animals will do when it comes to behaviors". They are all unique.

Can you please post in here when she weans them? I'd like to know.

Yes I will