Special Diet for Broody Silkie?

[lisahamm1967]

I have a broody Silkie bantam. I broke her from broodiness the first time (it took about 4 days) and she went broody again about 2 months later. I have decided to let her sit on 7 eggs. I have her in her own hen house inside the run but protected from the other hens trying to get in to lay more eggs. She has her own water and feeder literally right next to her. Should I put it further away so she has to get up to eat and drink to get a little exercise or it is fine to just leave next to her. Also, is there something special I should be feeding her. I pulled the lay feed from her since she is not eating and gave her 20% protein all flock pellets but wondering if she needs higher/lower protein, higher/lower calcium, higher/lower anything else? Any additional suggestions on the care and after care of my broody is greatly appreciated. This is my first time. TIY.

 

[sourland]

I don't like to keep the feed immediately adjacent to the nest. It is important that she leave the nest daily to defecate. Feed her normal diet so as to not mess up her digestive tract. Good luck for a successful hatch.

 

[lisahamm1967]

I don't like to keep the feed immediately adjacent to the nest. It is important that she leave the nest daily to defecate. Feed her normal diet so as to not mess up her digestive tract. Good luck for a successful hatch.

Thank you. I was thinking that after I found a nasty ass poop right near her! I was originally concerned about her leaving the nest to go get food and water because of the cold but we are not nearly as cold as other parts of the country and they do fine so thank you for confirming what I was thinking.

 

[chickens really]

I feed my Broody hens chick starter because they need the extra calories being they don't leave the nest as often.