broody owners please answer!

[Hennyhandler]

I have to silkies and I know that they are prone to going broody. I have heard that when this happens you are to take them off layer pellets and put them on chick starter since there is more protein in it. SO the number 1 question everytime you broody attempts to go broody do you do this whether or not you want them to go broody or not since they are still going to try? Or do you not everytime and only when you are going to let her sit on eggs? At this time that they are broody do you still provide calcium since they are not getting all the nutrients they need or is this a no no because they are not laying eggs? I know I said 1 questions but they kept popping up. Thanks.

 

[Teach97]

never changed diets on broody hens fingure they know what they are doing and will go eat and drink...never lost one. Never heard anything about changing diets...

 

[CaliBlueChicken]

I am with Teach97 I haven't heard of changing thier diet. I have only had chickens for 2+ years and they seem fine when they go broody.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I can tell you what I do, but everyone is different and keeps their broodies differently.


My entire flock eats the same thing from hatch until passing away - Flock Raiser. I also offer oyster shells on the side, available at all times - since Flock Raiser is lower in calcium than layer pellets.


For my broodies, I offer them water/food right close to the nest. I switch from pellets to crumbles when the chicks have hatched so it is easier for the chicks to eat (many broodies will break up pellets for the chicks - but crumbles are so easy).


Because of the free choice oyster shells, the broody will eat them when she feels she needs to. My broodies will also take their chicks to the oyster shells and have them eat a small amount.

 

[Hennyhandler]

I can't remember where I heard it. The reason it made since to me is if you had your broody on layer previously and then she hatched out eggs the chicks would be exposed to layer feed which they shouldn't have so you would need to feed them chick starter, yes? Which would cause her to eat it too? I am thinking that if they are on flock raiser it wouldn't work this way so I understand that but what if they are on layer feed? Maybe I am not understanding or seeing this wrongly. I don't know but thanks for the help.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I think I understand now

Yes, if you feed your flock Layer pellets/crumbles - the amount of calcium is not needed for small chicks or growing cockerels (young boys), plus a higher protein level is always better for chicks (even for your laying flock). Chicks take such a small amount of feed to "fill up" that quality food is important.

Yes of course if your chicks are eating it your broody will also. It will not hurt her eating chick starter, in fact it will help her gain her weight back after being broody for 21 days. She will not need extra calcium right away, as her system will not start to even think about laying eggs for close to 6 more weeks (roughly, each bird is different, but mine are generally laying 6 weeks after the chicks hatch).