Broody Silkie Hen lost A LOT of weight

[Frostee]

Hey chook-lovers, my adult silkie hen has lost heaps of weight from being broody, is it anything to be concerned about? I am buying 6 silkie eggs for her to hatch on the weekend, so I need her to stay broody! She is very light, there's nothing to her but feathers. She is eating, but not often and probably not much. Is there anything I can do to fatten her up a bit? Thanks

 

[Judy]

It's normal for them to lose some weight, but occasionally a broody will lose so much weight they die from it. Really it would be best to break her if you can. If you can't, then I'd pick her up and prod her to keep moving til she eats and drinks, several times a day. Of course you can also boost her nutrition with things like high protein food and maybe vitamins. Some animal protein such as a can of canned fish fed over several feedings would be a good idea. I pick up my broodies at least once a day and prod them til they eat and drink, just for insurance, even when they are sitting on eggs I want hatched.

 

[Frostee]

Okay thanks lots. I'll chuck her off a couple times a day and make sure she is eating. Thanks heaps