Egg Questions-Silkies

[suebee]

Yes, she has to be broody first. A broody hen will sit constantly for weeks only getting off eggs to eat and poop. If she is broody then you could order your "nice quality eggs" and place them under her.
I don't know where you're from, but I've had broodies hatch eggs in the dead of winter and she kept the chicks warm. They were all fine. Of course, I live in NC, so are winters are rather mild. I've decided to wait until spring to have my broodies hatch eggs this year just to make sure they thrive. Some broodies leave the chicks at 6 weeks so they'd need extra heat until 7-8 weeks.

 

[Southernbelle]

Quote:
The mamas do a great job keeping the babies warm, even in really cold weather. If they can keep an egg warm enough to hatch in cold temps, they can keep the babies warm enough, too. Personally, I always let my broody mamas raise their own babies - they worked hard to hatch those eggs and I don't want to deny them their reward.

 

[suebee]

Quote:
The mamas do a great job keeping the babies warm, even in really cold weather. If they can keep an egg warm enough to hatch in cold temps, they can keep the babies warm enough, too. Personally, I always let my broody mamas raise their own babies - they worked hard to hatch those eggs and I don't want to deny them their reward.

Amen to that! I would never take the chicks away unless it was an emergency like the mama died. She will keep them warm, especially a silkie mom.

 

[BamaChicken]

Well, maybe my mama silkies just were not smart enough cause I have lost several chicks hatched out in freezing weather trying to follow the mama around and couldn't keep up with her. If my goal is to pay money for quality chicks to hatch I am not going to chance a loss. Just my humble opinion. I am all for anyone doing exactly what they want to with their own chickens.

 

[suebee]

Oh Bama, that's so sad. I guess I should have mentioned that I kept my mom and chicks in a confined area (locked up) in the coop if hatching in the winter.

 

[Southernbelle]

I'm sorry you lost some babies, Bama! That must've been heartbreaking!

My mamas and babies were confined, too. If I had your experience, I'd probably sing a different tune, too.