Broody Silkie on eggs but not sure how long she has been sitting? Help?

[Rosy Starling]

I have a broody Silkie (her first time) she has been a great mum so far. Sadly I did not take note of when she went broody as I was going to get her off. In the end, as she was being such a dedicated mum, I decided to leave her. However, I don't know how long she has been sitting exactly. She has been getting off the nest for less and less time. I managed to candle all eggs on Sunday and they were black with chick, I could not make anything out so I know they are fertile and must be nearly ready or have they quit? My question is, how long do I leave her? She has lost weight and obviously & I don't want to leave her too long before giving up on the eggs and breaking her broodiness.

 

[Chookchicken]

I’d leave her. If the eggs haven’t hatched in a week then I would candle them to see if there is any life. Could you feel them moving? My silkies normally kick out the dead eggs.

 

[Rosy Starling]

I’d leave her. If the eggs haven’t hatched in a week then I would candle them to see if there is any life. Could you feel them moving? My silkies normally kick out the dead

Thank you Chookchicken. As it turned out I needn't have worried and should have trusted her judgement. I've just been up to the coop to hand feed her and I could hear some peeping. She is softly chirping encouragement to them. I can't wait to see what is under her. No egg shells have emerged yet.

 

[Chookchicken]

Thank you Chookchicken. As it turned out I needn't have worried and should have trusted her judgement. I've just been up to the coop to hand feed her and I could hear some peeping. She is softly chirping encouragement to them. I can't wait to see what is under her. No egg shells have emerged yet.

Post an update when they hatch. May I also add that she is one of the cutest silkies I have ever seen

 

[cher2324]

What a great picture! Silkies are great setters and mamas! Yes- post pictures please

 

[Rosy Starling]

An update to Flurry and her babies... I always hate it when I read threads and there is no outcome
As it was her first time I gave her a mixed bunch of 5 eggs and she successfully hatched all 5 (all happy and health) 2 roos and 2 pullets & one unknown. She has now proved her status of a being a good broody. Here she is with 2 of the 5, one girl & one boy. Next time I will let her hatch her own with my Blue Silkie Roo and hopefully get a 50/50 chance of Blue and Splash Silkies. She is rather special not just in looks but her temperament and dedication to being a new first time Mum.

 

[Rosy Starling]

What a great picture! Silkies are great setters and mamas! Yes- post pictures please

I've posted a little update

 

[Rosy Starling]

What a great picture! Silkies are great setters and mamas! Yes- post pictures please

I've posted a little update

 

[Rosy Starling]

Post an update when they hatch. May I also add that she is one of the cutest silkies I have ever seen

I've posted an update on Flurry and her chicks