Can chickens go broody before they have began to lay?

[Silkie owner]

Random question but can Silkies go broody before they have actually layed an egg?

 

[centrarchid]

I have not seen it. Based on what I now about hen physiology, it will not happen. With some roosters, broodiness can be induced.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Random question but can Silkies go broody before they have actually layed an egg?

Hi there!

No.. but they can spend a fair amount of time in the lay box practicing.. or if they're not even close to laying they may just be enjoying a good safe rest spot.

Do you have one showing what you think are sign of broodiness?

Honestly Silkies aren't the brightest of chickens. I bred many varieties of Silkies for several years.. and even the broodiest of broody that would go broody literally every 3rd egg she laid, even after being allowed to sit on, hatch, and raise a brood to full term.. back to back to back to back!

I don't have any Silkies anymore.

Anyways, even those relentless ladies and their offspring.. I have YET in 10+ years of keeping chickens and dealing with my fair share of broody's, to see one actually go broody before laying.. since it is a hormonal state.

However I do see something new EVERY day.. and having dealt with enough out of whack hormones in myself.. knowing that ALMOST anything is possible.. I would say it's very highly unlikely.. and if she did, she's still a baby herself and needs to be broken.. but definitely document it and share your experience!

 

[MROO]

I've had a couple of older pullets go through the motions, but none stick to it more than a couple of days. I WANT my Nankins to go broody, so I don't want to discourage them when they're young. I look at it like children "playing house" - practice for when they're all-growed-up. I give them a couple of cochin mix eggs (cuz they're small) and let 'em play!

 

[Silkie owner]

Hi there!

No.. but they can spend a fair amount of time in the lay box practicing.. or if they're not even close to laying they may just be enjoying a good safe rest spot.

Do you have one showing what you think are sign of broodiness?

Honestly Silkies aren't the brightest of chickens. I bred many varieties of Silkies for several years.. and even the broodiest of broody that would go broody literally every 3rd egg she laid, even after being allowed to sit on, hatch, and raise a brood to full term.. back to back to back to back!

I don't have any Silkies anymore.

Anyways, even those relentless ladies and their offspring.. I have YET in 10+ years of keeping chickens and dealing with my fair share of broody's, to see one actually go broody before laying.. since it is a hormonal state.

However I do see something new EVERY day.. and having dealt with enough out of whack hormones in myself.. knowing that ALMOST anything is possible.. I would say it's very highly unlikely.. and if she did, she's still a baby herself and needs to be broken.. but definitely document it and share your experience!

Thanks so much. Non of them have shown any signs but i do want to hatch some eggs soon thats why i was wondering. I guess ill have to wait or get an incubator! Thanks again for your help

 

[EggSighted4Life]

i do want to hatch some eggs soon thats why i was wondering. I guess ill have to wait or get an incubator!

With Silkies I had one of 4 basic experiences..

1) Broody by egg 3.

2) Broody by egg 15 ish.

3) Broody only once or twice per year, Which is perfect for me.

4) Never broody... only in splash and lavender, I think but maybe paint also. It really depends on the line they come from.

My large fowl ladies were superior broody mama's compared to the Silkies despite not being reputed for it. They have more capability. But most were decent, some required help.

Good nutrition, plenty of space, safe nest.. all these things add to feeling of well being instead of stress.. which though I don't believe you can induce broody I do believe you can provide the right environment to allow it to happen naturally.

Once they are close to lay or laying leaving fake eggs in the nest is a good sign that it's safe to them. If you do get set eggs under a broody, have your eggs collected until the day you set them and mark them well with sharpie or the like as pencil rubs off, so you can collect any new eggs deposited every evening to prevent a staggered hatch and give the clutch the best chance.

Hope you do get the joy of seeing a mum raise a brood!