Silkie is broody and has not left nest at all

[Buffalowingz]

Hi all, my silkie hen has a full clutch and went broody the problem is that she will not leave the nest to even eat or drink. Without disturbing her should u bring a dish of food and water to her or will this upset her nesting area? Thanks

 

[ashlierami]

Hi all, my silkie hen has a full clutch and went broody the problem is that she will not leave the nest to even eat or drink. Without disturbing her should u bring a dish of food and water to her or will this upset her nesting area? Thanks

You could have her food nearby and she will get up every few days to eat and drink. I always get involved and make sure mine eat and drink at least every other day and get up to poop every 3 or 4 days. How long has she been on her eggs? Mine usually don't get up for the first week or so then they slowly do. My girls are pets so I just would take them off an show them food and water and they would eat drink, stretch, poop, and then come back after about 15 minutes. If you rather not touch her then just have food and water nearby that she can see and access and she will get up to get some of it.

 

[Buffalowingz]

You could have her food nearby and she will get up every few days to eat and drink. I always get involved and make sure mine eat and drink at least every other day and get up to poop every 3 or 4 days. How long has she been on her eggs? Mine usually don't get up for the first week or so then they slowly do. My girls are pets so I just would take them off an show them food and water and they would eat drink, stretch, poop, and then come back after about 15 minutes. If you rather not touch her then just have food and water nearby that she can see and access and she will get up to get some of it.

Thanks for the advice, she has been on the eggs for 2 days now and I was getting concerned as she normally eats A LOT. I may just pick her up as you do. She is one of my special pair that are indoors.

 

[Chelsea-85]

Hi all, my silkie hen has a full clutch and went broody the problem is that she will not leave the nest to even eat or drink. Without disturbing her should u bring a dish of food and water to her or will this upset her nesting area? Thanks

I have two broody pullets right now. They are sitting on eggs separately in two different nests. One is confined, the other is near but has no access to the other pullet.
Just leave her alone unless she does not leave after 3 days. If she doesn't leave, try to hold her and place food and water close to the nest. But it is better if you do not interfere. I have never heard of a broody starved in hunger !
It is better for the broody to have a special quite place not mixed with other hens.
Good luck.

 

[chickens really]

I pick my Hens up off the nest every couple of days. If I don't some of them poop in the nest on the eggs. Provide her feed and water and enough room to get off the nest. I keep my Hens in crates or in my Brooder.

 

[ashlierami]

Thanks for the advice, she has been on the eggs for 2 days now and I was getting concerned as she normally eats A LOT. I may just pick her up as you do. She is one of my special pair that are indoors.

I've noticed in my hens right before going broody they seem to out on extra weight. I'm guessing it's so they can survive those 3 weeks with little to no food. Since she's one of your special ones she shouldn't mind you taking her off to give her food and water. Make sure she's in a safe location so predators don't steal her or her eggs at night. Since it's just day 2 she should be still good. On day 3 or 4 I'd take her off or bring her food and water. I would candle the eggs next week when she gets off to eat to see what's viable and what's not. Good luck with your girl and her chicks to be!