Odd behaviour in silkie hen.

[Jessperowne]

My silkie hen is behaving strangely. She won’t get out of her nest box. When I go near her she squarks. If I pick her up and move her she won’t stand and stays sitting. She will then eventually walk but goes straight back to her nest box. She has an egg under her. I’ve carried her to food and water and she drank and then went straight back to her nest.
I’m worried as we recently lost our big beautiful rooster and we never found out why. So I am worried she is sick too now. He went really wobbly and pale and then died:
We are in UK so it’s winter here and cold if that makes a difference
Thank you xxxx

 

[BantyChooks]

It sounds like she’s broody! She wants to hatch out eggs. If you leave the eggs under her, they will most likely hatch in about 3 weeks depending on when she started sitting.

 

[BantyChooks]

My silkie hen is behaving strangely. She won’t get out of her nest box. When I go near her she squarks. If I pick her up and move her she won’t stand and stays sitting. She will then eventually walk but goes straight back to her nest box. She has an egg under her. I’ve carried her to food and water and she drank and then went straight back to her nest.
I’m worried as we recently lost our big beautiful rooster and we never found out why. So I am worried she is sick too now. He went really wobbly and pale and then died:
We are in UK so it’s winter here and cold if that makes a difference
Thank you xxxx

Your rooster’s death could have been caused by a lot of things, but if you want to ensure the health of your remaining flock I’d start by checking for mites and worms, and evaluate their body condition. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Jessperowne]

It sounds like she’s broody! She wants to hatch out eggs. If you leave the eggs under her, they will most likely hatch in about 3 weeks depending on when she started sitting.

Oh I really hope that’s it! I was worried she was ill. I’d be so happy! Can a Serema roo breed with a silkie? Also it’s winter and they are outside, is it too cold for chicks?! Thank you so much for replying xxx

 

[ksbkeys]

My silkie hen is behaving strangely. She won’t get out of her nest box. When I go near her she squarks. If I pick her up and move her she won’t stand and stays sitting. She will then eventually walk but goes straight back to her nest box. She has an egg under her. I’ve carried her to food and water and she drank and then went straight back to her nest.
I’m worried as we recently lost our big beautiful rooster and we never found out why. So I am worried she is sick too now. He went really wobbly and pale and then died:
We are in UK so it’s winter here and cold if that makes a difference
Thank you xxxx

It does sound like she is broody. I would continue to watch to make sure she does eat and drink. I used to have to encourage my broody hen to eat and drink, she was so dedicated.

 

[BantyChooks]

Oh I really hope that’s it! I was worried she was ill. I’d be so happy! Can a Serema roo breed with a silkie? Also it’s winter and they are outside, is it too cold for chicks?! Thank you so much for replying xxx

Possibly. I’ve had bantam roosters fertilize even large fowl hens. If you want to check, candle the eggs about 1.5-2 weeks in.

What are the temperatures where you are? I’d say most UK winters are okay to have chicks outside in, but if you want to be safe, keep them in an area protected from drafts, and keep a close eye on them for the first week after they hatch. If she takes proper care of them it should be okay.

Has she ever hatched any out before?

 

[Jessperowne]

Possibly. I’ve had bantam roosters fertilize even large fowl hens. If you want to check, candle the eggs about 1.5-2 weeks in.

What are the temperatures where you are? I’d say most UK winters are okay to have chicks outside in, but if you want to be safe, keep them in an area protected from drafts, and keep a close eye on them for the first week after they hatch. If she takes proper care of them it should be okay.

Has she ever hatched any out before?

No she’s a pretty young hen. We have only ever hatched with an incubator inside. We have never had any broody hens. I’m quite excited now! I’d love her to have her babies!!!

 

[BantyChooks]

No she’s a pretty young hen. We have only ever hatched with an incubator inside. We have never had any broody hens. I’m quite excited now! I’d love her to have her babies!!!

Well, silkies are known for being broody and for being generally good mothers, so hopefully all goes well! Best of luck and make sure you prepare safe water sources and chick-proof the run beforehand if you haven’t already.

 

[Yardmom]

Yes your hen is broody. Hatching with a broody hen is possible anytime of year. The mother will keep the eggs warm and then keep the chicks warm. The humans' challenge will be to make sure to have chick safe thawed water available.