What all is involved when you are letting a broody silkie sit on 4 eggs... if they hatch will UI have to change the feeed in the coop??? will she protect them from the rooster?? or do i have to seperate them once they hatch???
Let me give you a couple of links that might help since it sounds like you are a first time hatcher. They may raise more questions than they answer, but this site thrives on questions. If you are not isolating her, please pay attention to the parts about marking the eggs and checking under her daily for any new eggs. Isolate a Broody? Thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=213218 Raise with flock? thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=215937&p=1 Layer feed contains too much calcium for young chicks. It can cause bone growth problems or it can damage their kidneys. A usual way around this is to provide either starter or grower for the chicks, depending on their age. The adults will eat this, but also provide oyster shell free choice on the side. I personally worry a lot more about the other hens hurting the chicks than I worry about a rooster hurting them. A good rooster will take care of all the members of his flock. Not all roosters are good and some can be a danger, but most will be OK with chicks. I've had a rooster help a broody take care of her chicks, not harm them. A good broody will protect her chicks from other chickens, whether they are hens or roosters. Again, not all broodies are good mothers. Some are wimps and will not protect her babies. There is a risk either way you go, but I prefer a broody raise her chicks with the flock if she will and can. It sure helps the integration issues if Mama takes care of them for you. Part of the decision depends on how much room you have. If Mama does not have enough room to work with, there is more danger from the other chickens. It is not always an easy clear-cut decision. Good luck!
