Hatching my own silkies

[Donna5]

It's been a long story...to keep it very short. I have 7 various 1 year old hens and one silkie, I had 2 to start but after an escape the big girls beat her up bad, she died a few days later. It's been 6 months since then and my remaining black silkie, Gertie spends her days hiding. She has her own condo attached to the big coop/run but she likes to be out. I often let her hang out with me outside since it is getting warmer. She is still very sociable.

I am going to keep her totally seperate from them as they have continued to pick at her, not brutallly but her feathers are a mess.

The big question...if I get her some fertile silkie eggs how can I be sure she will hatch them? She has gone broody 2 times already in the past. (Also that brings up the problems of possible rooster) OR... is it better to get a few day olds (which I can't seem to get from a hatchery until mid summer right now) OR...find some silkies her age.

They will have their own coop and sectioned off run...they will live together but seperate from the others.

Hope someone can help guide me in the right direction.
Thanks

Donna

 

[QualityPolish]

You could let her hatch her own eggs to keep her occupied if you are wanting some new chicks. I would suggest taking some old eggs first to get her broody then find some fertile eggs to put under her. Before you give her chicks though you want her to become broody then at night slip the chicks under her. Remember chickens can't count!! Just have her be broody for 5 days then slip the chicks under her if thats the way you want to go Both are fine.
QP