Let the Limping Broody Have Chicks?

[akf93]

Mary here is a broody Silkie due for chicks this Friday. She is sitting on wooden eggs. My plan was to get day old chicks to slip under her. She started limping maybe 2 days before going broody. She’s been sitting on her nest resting except for her once a day feeding/watering/etc. Her hock is slightly swollen. No open wounds. Not particularly hard or soft - feels quite like the other one other than being swollen. In the over two weeks time, it hasn’t gotten better or worse. Should I let her have chicks?

 

[akf93]

 

[akf93]

Bump!

 

[sourland]

I'd let her raise the chicks.

 

[ManedWolf]

Since she's small I'd say yes. I have a Buff Orpington hen who's really old but wants to brood every year. She's developed arthritis in her hock joints and ankles. This makes her awkward and clumsy, resulting in crushed eggs and chicks. However she's close to 10 lbs, your silkie isn't.
Hopefully her leg is on the mend!

 

[akf93]

So the next question…
I intended to get a total of 6 chicks and 2 ducks this year (the minimums at the store). If we lose a couple, that’s fine. Just want to add a little freshness to the flock each year. Can a Silkie handle 6 standard chicks and 2 Khaki Campbells?

 

[ManedWolf]

So the next question…
I intended to get a total of 6 chicks and 2 ducks this year (the minimums at the store). If we lose a couple, that’s fine. Just want to add a little freshness to the flock each year. Can a Silkie handle 6 standard chicks and 2 Khaki Campbells?

I hear Silkies are amazing mothers, and she'd probably gladly raise those. However my only concern is her ability to keep all of them warm. My standard size hens can have trouble sitting on 8 chicks once they start to grow. Others can chime in here but, perhaps you should keep a heat lamp in her brood area? That way if any are unable to wiggle under her they can go sit under the heat lamp.

 

[akf93]

Anyone know of any experienced people that can be tagged to help answer? The store is getting new chicks today!