My first broddy hen....Need advice please!!!

[carol0710]

I have my first broody silkie and I am not sure what I should do with the rest of my chickens? Do I leave them in there when they hatch?
She is my only silkie....
I have Americana chickens (2)
1 Rhode Island red
1 white chicken (mutt)
Three of my silkies died I am not sure why but I had a feeling the Americanas killed them.
Should I seperate them?
Any advice will be greatly appreacited!!!

Do I need to do anything special for the momma!!

Thank you,
Carol

 

[Zaxby's2]

It would be best to move her to a separate location until she has reared the chicks. Good luck!

 

[Judy]

I usually try to separate them for the setting, if they will accept being moved, but I turn mama and chicks loose with the flock when the chicks are up and around good, about 2 days old. This way when she stops mothering at 4 weeks or so, the flock has already accepted them and leaves them alone. It also avoids reintegrating the mama. If her instincts are good, she will protect the chicks from anyone in the flock who gets too close or even thinks about bothering her babies.

They are more likely to accept being moved at night with the nest intact. If she won't accept being moved, you need to mark the eggs (Sharpie works good) and check under her at least twice a day and remove any additional eggs. If you find her on the wrong nest just put her back on the right one. It's not quite as safe for the chicks, and I've lost a few eggs to getting broken, but for me it has worked pretty well.

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html