broody hen

[one cool chick]

i have a broody white silkie she has been broody for about 1 week now. is this a good time to let her brood eggs?

thanks

 

[monathequeen]

It's not a bad time to let her sit.....but, if you decide to let her sit, I would make sure the hen is kept very warm when it starts to get cold outside.
The babys will take 21 days to hatch and then atleast 10 weeks with mom. That is going to be around November when they are almost full grown but not quite old enough to leave mom yet.
I would have a heat lamp handy when they arrive just for some added heat at night once it gets down below 60 degrees. I would also have a quiet, secure nesting box for her and the babys.
If possible, a seperate indoor area for them. seperate from the others.
One of My hens just had four beautiful new chicks......I'am a first time proud papa...(well the Rooster is..LOL)

 

[one cool chick]

could i put chicks under her at this stage because i don't really want to have her sit out there 21 days and then it would get cold.

 

[Hopefully]

Sure, let's see what she does

 

[caralouise1974]

Hmm, be careful putting chicks under her this early. Whilst hens certainly cannot count, she possibly won't be fooled that she has sat long enough for there to be chicks, certainly if she is sitting on an empty nest (ie a nest without a clutch of eggs in it).

Be very vigilant of rejection when you introduce the chicks, and don't put them under her until after dark.

Good luck

 

[lovemychix]

Quote:
Some will and some won't. I have a sizzle that will raise anything.

 

[LauraSBale]

I had a silkie go broody last month and hatched out 2 chicks, and the weather here has been up and down and the night have been getting into the 60 and high 50's, she does a get job of keeping them warm, Silkies make very good moms, and the dad, when mom takes a break from chicks his right there taking care of them and keeping them warm, showing them food and water.

 

[Judy]

I agree she will do fine keeping them warm enough. You don't need a heat lamp with a broody; they know what to do; chances are the chicks would just avoid it. It would help if you were a little more specific than "USA," but even if you are far north, she will be fine.

I had one hatch chicks in winter last year. Granted, our winters are not severe, but there were below freezing nights by the time the chicks were a month or so old.

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html