Broody Silkies

[jeflin]

We have 2 eleven month old silkies. They’ve both gone broody for the first time. I moved them to their own large plastic dog crate today and gave them both some eggs. They immediately arranged their eggs and seemed content to set. Is it ok to let them brood together? The dog crate is set out in the coop/run, with the door open. Should I shut the door to keep the rest of the chickens out? Do we put food and water in the crate? And another one of our 4 other hens was acting broody, but ran off when we tried to give her eggs. I’ve heard being broody is “contagious”. If they all go broody, what do I do with the rooster? Sorry, I’m still new to chickens and I’ve tried to navigate all the broody hens posts. Seems a lot of people want to break their broodies. I have no problems with them hatching their own chicks. I just want to make sure I can do everything I can to ensure success (as much as possible anyway—I know things happen). Any advice greatly appreciated!

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Is it ok to let them brood together?

Some hens/pullets can brood and raise chicks/hatch eggs together, but some just don’t. They fight.

Should I shut the door to keep the rest of the chickens out?

I’d recommend it. If chickens get in there, they can start to fight, and break the eggs.

Do we put food and water in the crate?

Yes.

And another one of our 4 other hens was acting broody, but ran off when we tried to give her eggs. I’ve heard being broody is “contagious”. If they all go broody, what do I do with the rooster?

Just keep him away. I do doubt they will all go broody, though.

Sorry, I’m still new to chickens and I’ve tried to navigate all the broody hens posts. Seems a lot of people want to break their broodies. I have no problems with them hatching their own chicks.

Some people break their broodies if they don’t have fertile eggs/a rooster.

Just a little bit of info, most first time broodies don’t make the best mothers.

I just want to make sure I can do everything I can to ensure success (as much as possible anyway—I know things happen). Any advice greatly appreciated!

Good luck.

 

[jeflin]

Some hens/pullets can brood and raise chicks/hatch eggs together, but some just don’t. They fight.

I’d recommend it. If chickens get in there, they can start to fight, and break the eggs.

Yes.

Just keep him away. I do doubt they will all go broody, though.

Some people break their broodies if they don’t have fertile eggs/a rooster.

Just a little bit of info, most first time broodies don’t make the best mothers.

Good luck.

Thank you so much! We’ll be keeping a close eye on them. So far they haven’t moved from their crate and seem to be getting along together. I have another smaller dog crate I can put in there if I need to. This will be a learning experience for sure! I’m hoping for a good outcome. Thanks again!