Silkie Behavior

[radarloves]

Hello all,
I have a Silkie, Poofy, she has been staying on the roosting rod for a couple of weeks. I bring her down and she will eat and drink and then she goes back. I'll take her out of the coop and she will run back to the roosting bar. She use to lay her ages on the bar (for some reason she wont use the nesting boxes and I have plenty for everyone). She has not laid an egg for awhile, but some of the others are doing the same as I have one molting and its getting colder down in the 30's at night. I have 10 girls of different breeds and when I bring her down another will chase or peck at her even the ones she grew up with. Poofy (the Silkie) keeps puffing up and bending forward some times off and on the bar. So I thought she was egg bound. I have given her two soaks in the past 24 hours and nothing, i have felt around her and don't feel an egg. She looks healthy and otherwise acts normal, but I think she is trying to lay an egg. Could she be depressed because she's not getting an egg or could she be egg bound and I'm just not feeling it? Any advice is great.

Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Does she make growling noises when puffed, she could be broody. As far as staying inside, silkies don't do well in a mixed flock, they end up on the bottom of the pecking order and can be bullied, she staying inside because she's afraid and doesn't want to be pecked and chased.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

x2. It sounds like she's hiding from a bully and possibly not feeling well.

You might have to consider separating her off with a gentle buddy or finding either her or the meanie a new home to restore the peace.

 

[radarloves]

She keeps making some small clucking noises. We have 2 silkies and they get along with the girls she was raised with. the 2 silkies normally stick together. She does make some grunting noises when she bends over. Everyone pretty much gets along. The only time we have a problem is when someone isn't feeling well or has an injury. I've tried separating her, but she runs back to the bar every time.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She's broody, they make those kinds of noises. Give her some eggs to sit on, I bet she gets right to work hatching them.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I would think she'd have taken up residence in one of the nests if she were broody, but that could be because she's getting picked on.

If you try giving her eggs to hatch, I'd separate her from the rest of the flock. That will make her chances of success much higher since she's already being bullied.

Good luck.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's possible she can't get into the nest boxes.

 

[radarloves]

That's what I thought at first. I keep putting her into the box. It may be time for another box. I have 3 boxes and the bar is higher than the box. I will get another box and put at ground level to see if she can get in. I love the advice everyone. Thanks!