Silkie sick?

[melirobin]

My 8 month old Silkie won't come out of the coop. I don't have a big coop, there is no food or water in there, just sleeping space. She has been huddled in her nesting box all day yesterday and this morning when I let the girls out she did not come but remained in her box.

To eat or drink she would have to come out so I didn't take this as a good sign. When I lifted her out she had laid an egg.

It is cold here in Massachusetts but no worse than other days we've had this winter and she is usually right out there with the rest of them in the run. I have brought her inside and put her in a large box. She immediately drank water and ate some sunflower seeds.

I can't see anything wrong with her but am very concerned about her behavior of not coming out of the nesting box. Even when she was in the box she seemed huddled into a ball not sitting with her head up the way they do when laying.

So I am wondering what people think, should I be worried about her behavior? If I don't see anything physically wrong with her could she still be sick with something? Will keeping her inside help in any way?

Thanks.
-Melissa

 

[Kanat]

She is broody

 

[Chickenaddict]

Yeppers sounds like you got a broody hen!!! Congrats, now all u have to do is shove some eggs under her lol

 

[walbarbsa]

I third that -- broodiness! Those little silkies brood no matter what. They hardly eat or drink; I've got one brooding now; I bought my first five silkie chicks in March and they've doubled their population!

They're evil and will take your heart...the little ones are even worse...say good-bye to your heart

 

[melirobin]

I cannot say how relieved we all are and are now giggling about the fact that we thought she was sick when all she is doing is trying to be a good mama.

Do I just let her be broody or should I prevent her from going into the coop?

-Melissa

 

[Laskaland]

Quote:
Melissa:
She has gone broody. Put some eggs under her, and you'll have some new babies in 3 weeks.
Good luck!
Christina