Feather plucking

[Penelope59]

My bantam silkie is on her second week of being broody. She’s coming out to free range and dust bathe with the others. She’s eating and drinking, but of course still trying to hatch eggs. We have no roosters so of course she can’t hatch any eggs. She has now plucked some of her belly feathers out, as you can see in this photo. As long as she’s eating and drinking, should I leave her along until the cycle breaks? I don’t want to do broody jail. Thoughts.....

 

[sophialoveschickens]

broodies pluck their feathers out to make a nest. all my broodies have bare bellies aswell . i would say if she doesn't get up when you get the eggs i would break her broodiness. it can lead to health problems her sitting all day for nothing. but it doesn't happen that fast so its fine if you just leave her but don't let her do that for months. goodluck!

 

[SilverBirds]

Hens will sit well past the 21 days if not broken, which can lead to issues. Being broody takes a hard toll on the hen's body, and she can become sick from sitting too long. You really should break her if you do not intend to give her chicks.

Why are you opposed to jail? Since she has been sitting for so long, broody jail will be the easiest way to break her. Silkies are very prone to broodiness, so I doubt this will be the last time you have to deal with this. Having a jail will be very helpful now and for the future.

 

[Penelope59]

broodies pluck their feathers out to make a nest. all my broodies have bare bellies aswell . i would say if she doesn't get up when you get the eggs i would break her broodiness. it can lead to health problems her sitting all day for nothing. but it doesn't happen that fast so its fine if you just leave her but don't let her do that for

Hens will sit well past the 21 days if not broken, which can lead to issues. Being broody takes a hard toll on the hen's body, and she can become sick from sitting too long. You really should break her if you do not intend to give her chicks.

Why are you opposed to jail? Since she has been sitting for so long, broody jail will be the easiest way to break her. Silkies are very prone to broodiness, so I doubt this will be the last time you have to deal with this. Having a jail will be very helpful now and for

Hens will sit well past the 21 days if not broken, which can lead to issues. Being broody takes a hard toll on the hen's body, and she can become sick from sitting too long. You really should break her if you do not intend to give her chicks.

Why are you opposed to jail? Since she has been sitting for so long, broody jail will be the easiest way to break her. Silkies are very prone to broodiness, so I doubt this will be the last time you have to deal with this. Having a jail will be very helpful now and for the future.

I let her out to free range- she’s not sitting all day. But, she always winds back in the nesting box. I don’t think broody jail is fun for them, but if it will break the cycle, I’m not totally opposed. Her health is more important.

 

[SilverBirds]

I let her out to free range- she’s not sitting all day. But, she always winds back in the nesting box. I don’t think broody jail is fun for them, but if it will break the cycle, I’m not totally opposed. Her health is more important.

Broody jail isn't meant to be fun. It's meant to be as uncomfortable as possible to break them of their broodiness.

 

[Penelope59]

Broody jail isn't meant to be fun. It's meant to be as uncomfortable as possible to break them of their broodiness.

I understand that. What do I do with her at night. I can’t leave her in the cage in the run- too many predators where I live. Should I bring her under my enclosed garage?

 

[SilverBirds]

I understand that. What do I do with her at night. I can’t leave her in the cage in the run- too many predators where I live. Should I bring her under my enclosed garage?

That could work. Do you have a kennel you can put her in?

 

[Penelope59]

That could work. Do you have a kennel you can put her in?

I have a dog crate.

 

[Penelope59]

That could work. Do you have a kennel you can put her in?

I have a dog crate.