Broody Hen

[CHICKENFARMER22]

So I have a blue silkie hen and a blue silkie rooster. I also have many other chickens but she two are seperated. Last night I went up to check on the silkies and when I open the door they usually move away but she was laying ing the nest box and I had to touch her for her to move. She hasn't layed me an egg in a while. Is she going broody? Please give me some feedback! Anyone!

 

[LRH97]

It's very possible. Silkies are notorious for going broody. I leave my hens on the nest for at least an entire day (usually two to be safe) to make sure they are devoted. If they haven't moved, I go ahead and put fertile eggs under them. Hope you get to hatch some babies!

 

[CHICKENFARMER22]

Thanks a lot for the information. This morning I went out and she wasn't on the nest box but she keeps going by it. I hope I go up there tonight and see her sitting on the nest box. A couple of days ago I had all of my chickens free ranging. That silkie hen fought with my one hen a couple of times. Before previously when I had them out them two never fought. So would that be a sign of broodiness too?

 

[LRH97]

Yes it could be. When I let my broody hens out for their daily time off the nest they go after my dogs if they get too close. but it could be just a normal squabble too.

 

[CHICKENFARMER22]

Yeah I think she is broody! She has been acting pretty weird lately.How long does it usually take before they start sitting? If she is broody should she be sitting on eggs here pretty soon?

 

[LRH97]

She should start soon if she is broody. Try putting a few eggs in a box and see if she's in there later today. I put fake eggs in a box to try and encourage them to set. If you don't have those you can use golf balls or anything that looks like and egg.

 

[CHICKENFARMER22]

Ok. Thanks. I think I have some golf balls. If I don't should I put some real unfertile eggs in there from my other chickens?

 

[LRH97]

You could. I don't because I collect eggs daily for my customers.

 

[CHICKENFARMER22]

Ok. I sell eggs too! I will only put like one or two unfertile eggs in there. Thanks for all of your feedback and I will let you know if she goes broody and if she hatches any chicks.

 

[LRH97]

Ok. Keep me posted! You may want to put a few more like 4 or 5 so there's kind of like a small clutch. They seem to take the bait a little better that way