Trying to determine if my hen is broody or ill. Worried about her vent color

[Rogerrr18]

I’m new to chickens and have had my Silkie hen for about a month (she’s about 8-10 months old I think). The last few days she hasn’t been willing to leave her nesting box. There was only one egg in there which I have removed. She’s still staying in there despite there no longer being an egg. She doesn’t peck at me or act aggressive when I handle her. I’ve moved her out of the box several times and she will eat and drink a little then head back to the nesting box.

I looked up some “checklists” online for looking for health problems and the only thing that seemed questionable was her vent. For one, she definitely needs to have it cleaned up so I intend to do that tomorrow once everyone is no longer roosting. My bigger concern is the color. Everything I’m reading says it should be pink but hers is very dark. Her skin around it is all dark though so maybe that’s just her skin color? Nothing else I’m reading online talks about them being dark though.

I attached a picture if anyone could give some thoughts. Or if you have any other thoughts about what might be going on please let me know. I’m very worried about her.

 

[Cyprus]

She's broody and fine. Silkies have black skin -that's a breed trait. Her vent looks healthy.

 

[DolceVita]

She is definitely broody. Vent looks good. Bath her in warm water and gently wash her belly and vent. This will help cool her down and reduce broodness

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The last few days she hasn’t been willing to leave her nesting box. There was only one egg in there which I have removed. She’s still staying in there despite there no longer being an egg. She doesn’t peck at me or act aggressive when I handle her. I’ve moved her out of the box several times and she will eat and drink a little then head back to the nesting box.

I looked up some “checklists” online for looking for health problems and the only thing that seemed questionable was her vent.

My bigger concern is the color. Everything I’m reading says it should be pink but hers is very dark. Her skin around it is all dark though so maybe that’s just her skin color?

Hi @Rogerrr18 Welcome To BYC

It sounds like she is broody. When a pullet or hen is broody, they will sit regardless if they have any eggs to keep warm or not.
I agree, I would give her bottom a washing. The black skin is the natural color for a Silkie, so don't worry about that. While you are giving her a clean up, look carefully through her feathers for any signs of lice/mites too. Another general check up would be to make sure her crop is empty in the morning before she has had anything to eat/drink.

If you don't plan on letting her hatch any eggs for you this go round, then you may want to break her broodiness so she stays in condition. https://the-chicken-chick.com/broody-breaker-when-hens-mood-to-hatch/

If you have more photos of her you would like to share, I'm sure we would enjoy those too