Should I worry about my two broodies?

[chicmom]

Hi peeps! I am kind of worried about my two little broody hens. I brought them into my basement to brood hatch the eggs because we're in Ohio, and winters are SO COLD. I have no idea why they went broody this time of year, but I think it's because right now, the weather has been strangely mild--almost like spring. Usually it's freezing cold and snowy this time of year, and February is much worse!

ANYHOW, today will be the third day the broodies have been inside in their brooder, and they haven't got up to take a poop! I had to lift them off the nest and put their faces by the water to get them to drink once, and they ate a bit, but no pooping!

Should I worry? Should I make them get up off the nest? Both are bantams, one is a Cochin frizzle, and the other is a Silkie. It's so cute seeing them on the nest together, like little co-broodies.....

So should I worry about this? Or will they just get up on their own and eat and drink and poo.....So far they haven't!

Sharon

 

[sheila3935]

I have 2 broodies right now too. A bantam Buff Cochin and a Silkie. They are still in the coop. I will move them inside when the babies hatch. I have had bad luck trying to move them before. Maybe take them outside for a bit. They can stay off the nest for 15 or so minutes and not hurt the eggs.

 

[chicmom]

I did that yesterday. I have them in a 110 gallon stock tank brooder, so I lifted them off their nest, and put them by the water again. They drank alot, then they ate. (I removed the nest while they were doing this, so I could candle the eggs.)

Anyhow, my little black frizzle Cochin finally took a poop and it was like a big cigar! LOL and HORRIBLY stinky! I got rid of it quick! LOL

So from now on, if I don't see any signs of them getting up, I'll do the same thing once a day.....

Those little gals are very serious about their work, but still so nice to me.....They will growl a bit, but they don't give me any trouble when I pick them up......They almost act like they're sleepy....Takes them a minute to realize "Hey! Water and food!" They're very funny. I think they're going to be great mommies....