Is she broody or sick?

[Woodcox Acre]

back to your origimal question. I have a chicken that went broody and is stitting on a few eggs, but I'm concerned about her as her comb has become quite light. Is she sick and what can I do for her

 

[audra72]

Hey whats a splash Orpington? That sounds interesting. My orange Orpington just ate a 3/4 wood screw, Im pretty nervous about it. She gobbled it up so quick, DANGIT I saw her coming and I just wasnt fast enough. Im expanding my coop and remodeling one I built on line to make it water tight  (See the Bungalow Bungle thread) so I had a few screws down on the ground.

I have pics of my Splash's in the WHAT'S THE NAME MEAN? post. Go check em out. If I had to describe I'd sat they look like a white orp that someone has "splashed" or drizzled black paint on them. LOL They're gorgeous!

 

[audra72]

My silkie does the same thing, she'll try to hatch the hay if you let her. Theres no telling how long she will be broody. Ive never had more than one silkie so I dont know if they all act the same or not, although now I do have a baby silkie so Im about to find out. Mine gets that like and stays like that for about a couple of weeks. I should keep track of it just for the heck of it, its pretty much like clockwork. Im not even as consistent with my period! When I get home from work I always take the eggs away from her if theres any under her, or unless we're trying to hatch something, and I physically pick her up and boot her butt outside with the rest of the chickens outside of the run. Then I make sure I have some treats for everyone. It distracts her for a little bit and she gets some food down her and she does a little bit of scratching looking for bugs. She doesnt stay out as long with the rest of the chickens but it breaks it up for her. This is another reason I keep a small feeder and waterer inside my coop so she doesnt have as far to go as far for nourishment. Right now she's just hatched a silkie and I have the food and water right in the nesting box with her.Keep an eye on her, maybe give her some extra nutrition like some yogurt or dried meal worms, or maybe some watermelon which helps with hydration. Sometimes if I'll even bring her inside by herself so she doesnt have to compete with the other chickens for the treats. She'll probably be ok, just keep an eye on her, maybe some snacks and kick her little butt out of the nest for a little bit. She may just march right back in there, which my silkie does sometimes but its worth a shot.
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Thanks for the info! I've been trying to kick her out of the house. She won't stay out long but I'm making her get a move on!