Silkies hatching and raising...

[CCourson05]

Will all silkies reliably go broody? I just got silkies in hopes that they will hatch some eggs for me. Can I rely on them to hatch and raise them? Also, I have them in a separate enclosure, so would the 5 silkie hens and the 1 silkie rooster bother the babies...?

Sorry if this is a double post, but I couldn't find another....

 

[<3ChickenForever]

They are the most broody hens I know. So, I guess you can rely on pretty good. chances are a 7 or 8 between 1-10 on reliablity.

 

[CCourson05]

Are they good mothers? I would like to let the hen raise them after they hatch, and that would just be leaving them in the same pen as the other silkies...

Is that a good idea, or bad idea with this breed? I hear the father will help raise them too.

 

[<3ChickenForever]

Yep, the hens will take care of them.

 

[CCourson05]

Awesome! I was kind of worried to try it and have an epic failure on my hands. Thank you.

 

[<3ChickenForever]

Your wlecome! Glad to help!

 

[BlakesFarm]

What you can do to get them in the "mood" is put about 4 golf balls in a nest and show a girl the "fake eggs". When they start sitting on them take out the golf balls and insert the fertile eggs.