My broody silkie

[emsevers]

Hi everyone. I have a question about my broody silkie. I am planning on getting some fertile eggs in the next few days for her to hatch but I've never done this before. I am wondering if I should prepare a separate area for her or if I should leave her in the nesting box that she is currently trying to sit in. I was also wondering how many eggs she can handle because I don't want to ask for too many. Any advice or information would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[birdlover]

If your nesting box is on the ground, you can let her stay there. If not, it's best to get her situated in a place on the ground in the coop before she starts brooding the eggs. Hope you get them soon. All hens are different but I had one that would get up on day 21 - period. Then again, I've had others that sat for 2 months!! How many other chickens do you have? Are you sure you want to deal with this in the cold weather? I'd worry myself sick. LOL

ETA: I wouldn't give her more than 4 eggs since it's her first time and yours, too. Maybe they won't all hatch but, if they do, 4 is where I'd draw the line. JMHO

 

[suebee]

Hey! I would move her down to a quiet spot on the floor as soon as you get the eggs. She may try to leave and go back to the nest. Just keep watching her that first day. I have blocked the nest with a window screen before. Once she knows she can't get back to her old spot, she'll hopefully stay there. Leave food and water near her too.

What I have done in the past is get 2-3 practice eggs, like out of the fridge, let them warm up a bit. Take them out to see if she'll sit on them on her new "floor" nest. If she does, take them away after 6-8 hours and give her the REAL EGGS you plan to hatch. Boil and eat the practice eggs. This way you already know she'll stay on the new nest.

I have had 8 eggs maximum under my silkie. If I hatch in winter it's only 6 eggs max to make sure she covers them completely.

Let me know what happens!!