Broody not looking good - any suggestions?

[kristenm1975]

My young silver Silkie pullet laid her first egg couple of eggs and then promptly went broody. We put her on 5 duck eggs and she's been a trooper, sitting on them faithfully in her own little broody hutch I made for her.

My concern is that prior to going broody, she had the most gorgeous iridescent turquoise ears and now they are gray. That seems like a sign to me that she isn't doing well health-wise.

She has 24/7 access to fresh water and the same feed that she was getting before, and she's getting up every couple of days to poop, that I know for sure. Huge piles!

Is there anything I should do for her, or is she fine?

 

[hinkjc]

Check her over for mites/lice. Broodies are more prone to infestation since they don't take time to dust. I would also keep an eye to make sure she is taking enough food/water. She will get slimmer, but you don't want her down to bones.

 

[austinhart123]

i know that my hens combs turn from bright red to pink, it might be similar, just feel her crop and see if theres food in there, if not, take her off the nest and put her right next to the food

 

[lotzahenz]

I had a broody banty hen who sat and NEVER ate or drank. I kept her in a pet carrier, with the door open. I put out fresh water and food, but the other chickens would wander by and eat it. I did not realize she was not eating until it was too late. You should "heft" her up and see if she feels solid, or too light. Then force her off the nest to walk around and keep her off til she gives in and eats. Then let her back on it. Eggs can go for very long periods without damage, so a few minutes off them is no problem. Maybe set some water close to her head? I think the greyish combs are probably normal, they redden up when they go back to laying again. Kinda like during a moult.