Silkie hen is setting!!!

[akpeeps]

She's been in with the Cuckoo roo for a month now. She didn't get broody with the first eggs, 13 total, which are in the incubator and due to hatch around the 11th. She's been on these eggs since last Wed. and she had 5, although there might be a sixth. She won't let us get near her, lol. I've never heard a hen growl but that is what it sounds like. She does NOT want to be messed with.

Should I take the rooster out or leave him in with her?
I have a rabbit hutch that has the enclosed nesting box on one side of it. I used it as a brooder for the chicks I got from a friend. I just moved them outside a couple of days ago.

Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

We need a little more information. Is this the only hen you have or are there other laying hens with access to her and her nest?

Why would you want to take the rooster out? What are your concerns?

Thanks

 

[akpeeps]

Good morning

She and the rooster are in a pen by themselves. The other hens can see them but can't get to her.

As far as moving the roo, I just wasn't sure if he was supposed to be moved or not. Never had roos or a broody hen before so this is my first experience with this.

How about when the chicks hatch? Leave him in still?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm glad you have the broody isolated from the other laying hens. That makes it a lot simpler and I have to do a lot less typing. And as long as she is within site of the other chickens, the integration issues should not be as risky when it is time for her to rejoin the flock. I'm not saying there won't be any issues, just that they should not be as bad.

I'd move the rooster in with the other hens only because he is likely to get bored in the cage alone with a broody hen. She is not going to pay any attention to him and chickens are social animals. When they are not broody, they need social interaction with the others. Normally a rooster leaves a broody hen alone. If he is in the pen with only her, he might bother her and the results may not be pleasant.

Hope this helps.

 

[akpeeps]

Thanks!

I'll have to put him in the run with the laying hens.

I checked last night while she was off and she has seven. Woo Hoo! She snuck a couple in on me.