Strange poop from my broody

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

U r right that silkies are adorable, & so is your broody girl. No need to "only" "really really like her"; go ahead and really really Love her, & appreciate her for who she is. Its ok.

 

[Suejordn]

Ok, so I brought her in and bathed her and gave her a little blow dry. I lived in Northern California so it’s pretty mild here. I tried feeling her crop. It didn’t feel very full so I gave her some scratch as a treat before I put her in her broody cage (which I will add some better wire to the floor for her tomorrow. Should I be concerned about worms? I’ve never worked my little flock and not sure how? Thanks everyone!

 

[Suejordn]

Oh and here are some pics of her during her spa time. Not sure if she plucked her feather on her belly or if she just doesn’t have any?

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Broody hens pluck the feathers from their bellys so their warm skin can make better contact with the eggs they are incubating.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Ps. Since broody hens dont eat much, & since your girl will likely continue to go broody often, a higher protein/higher nutrition food like scrambled eggs will in the future be a better treat to give her. I switch my broody hens to chick starter/ grower as soon as they start setting, since chick feed also has higher protein. Whether to be concerned about worms is a whole 'nuther subject. But your girls crop was likely empty simply because brooding hens dont eat much, & therefore tend to lose weight.

 

[Suejordn]

Ps. Since broody hens dont eat much, & since your girl will likely continue to go broody often, a higher protein/higher nutrition food like scrambled eggs will in the future be a better treat to give her. I switch my broody hens to chick starter/ grower as soon as they start setting, since chick feed also has higher protein. Whether to be concerned about worms is a whole 'nuther subject. But your girls crop was likely empty simply because brooding hens dont eat much, & therefore tend to lose weight.

Oh ok, perfect. I’ll definitely give her some scrambled eggs in the future. Could I just feed my bantams chick starter all the time? Is that ok?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Oh ok, perfect. I’ll definitely give her some scrambled eggs in the future. Could I just feed my bantams chick starter all the time? Is that ok?

Scrambled eggs are fine as a TREAT or boost.. they are 34% protein and 64% fat.. and loaded with nutrients.

Chick starter or Flock Raiser is a perfectly acceptable choice.. even a grower.. as long as oyster shell is provided free choice in an easy to access location for active layers... regardless of bantam or standard.. chicken is chicken. I never have to switch for broody's or chicks or layers or even roosters because my feed routine stays the same. My hatch rate is good, chickens are healthy, eggs are tasty.. NO soft shells or other issues. Layer is for folks who haven't learned the difference or don't see the value in higher protein, lower calcium feeds. Those in the know.. make choices in line with their overall goals and thought process regardless of the bottom dollar.

Scratch.. being diminished in protein AND ALL other nutrients comparatively which are added INTO our mostly corn based but formulated rations.. is NEVER a wise choice for a sitting hen. It's like feeding chips instead of a well dressed taco.. it's fun to eat and tasty okay to enjoy now and then..

No reason to WORRY about worm load.. Get a fecal float a couple times throughout the year and identify YOUR load. treat if needed.