Broody silkies and egg biology...

[wuwu77]

Can brooding hens successfully incubate eggs in cool weather? I have a silkie brooding right near the coop enterance (which closes at night) and cool weather has set in. Also, can I expect to see them get off the eggs to eat/drink?

I have always artificially incubated eggs, so brooding hens are new to me. Thanks for your help.

Thanks.

 

[CarriBrown]

Momma knows what to do. Let her do her job. If it makes you feel better (and she'll be more likely to eat and drink if you do this) you can give her an area away from the others so she won't be bothered. They seem to be less stressed that way. Also, when the babies hatch, you won't have to worry about other hens trying to kill them.