Silkie won't go broody

[Thehappyheifer]

It's winter here in SC and an anonymous silkie began laying last week. I've gotten 4 eggs. They're refusing to go broody/sit. What is going on?

 

[featheredplanets]

You can't make a pullet go broody, or expect them to brood as soon as they've laid a small clutch, even if they're a notoriously broody breed. Don't have much experience with Silkies but she will probably brood next spring if she wants to

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

You can't make a pullet go broody, or expect them to brood as soon as they've laid a small clutch, even if they're a notoriously broody breed. Don't have much experience with Silkies but she will probably brood next spring if she wants to

X2! You can ENCOURAGE them to brood, but she probably won't until a bit later. My silkie who has been laying for 3 weeks just went broody yesterday. It all depends on the bird!

 

[featheredplanets]

X2! You can ENCOURAGE them to brood, but she probably won't until a bit later. My silkie who has been laying for 3 weeks just went broody yesterday. It all depends on the bird!

Yes, you can encourage them, comfy dark nesting box, no overcrowding, allow a clutch of eggs to build. It may happen, patience is key

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Yes, you can encourage them, comfy dark nesting box, no overcrowding, allow a clutch of eggs to build. It may happen, patience is key

 

[pennyJo1960]

You cannot force one to go broody sorry like the others have said Silkies tend to be broody as they mature a bit maybe it is too early for he

 

[Thehappyheifer]

Well, I never said I was trying to force this hen to go broody;reread . I merely asked what's going on/is it normal.

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Well, I never said I was trying to force this hen to go broody;reread . I merely asked what's going on/is it normal.

Then yes, it is normal for her not to go broody yet!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Well, I never said I was trying to force this hen to go broody;reread . I merely asked what's going on/is it normal.

She probably won't go broody until we are under increasing light after the winter solstice. Most don't go broody in the winter because of it. I'm further north and most of mine won't go broody until March or after. Silkie are the only breed that has gone broody for me in the dead of winter though. I think your girl is a bit young yet. Most will lay for around 4-12 weeks before going broody.

 

[Thehappyheifer]

She probably won't go broody until we are under increasing light after the winter solstice. Most don't go broody in the winter because of it. I'm further north and most of mine won't go broody until March or after. Silkie are the only breed that has gone broody for me in the dead of winter though. I think your girl is a bit young yet. Most will lay for around 4-12 weeks before going broody.

She went broody today, Christmas Eve.