I have 5 chicks which will be 4 weeks old tomorrow. They are in their own little coop/run that is inside of the big girls run. They have been going down to their run during the day for 2 weeks now and in their coop at night. I have a silkie hen whos probably at least 5 years old. I dont think she lays anymore. If so it's rarely. Not long ago close to when I first got the chicks I found her in a nest box getting all "broody" with me. She was pecking my hand, fluffed up, growling. She wasn't sitting on any eggs, and she came out after awhile to get treats with the rest of the girls. She has never successfully hatched or raised chicks. I've noticed that the last few weeks she spends ALL day next to the little coop of chicks. If she is not laying down next to it, she's walking around it constantly, looking at the chicks. She is the last of my hens to go into their coop in the evenings, and waits till the last minute before dark. If I let the other chickens out to free range during the day, she stays by the chicks. What is she doing?