Why Are My Silkies Isolating?

[groovygirl180]

I have 7 hens-5 in one coop, and 2 Silkies in another. Every day, we let all the chickens out to roam, but then I noticed one of my Silkies would sit in the nesting box and not come out all day! She's not laying eggs anymore, just sits in the nesting box. We have to pick her up and put her outside to eat and get some sun. Then, a few weeks ago, the other Silkie started doing the same thing. They both just sit in the nesting box all day and night. Any idea what this is all about?

 

[BoundlessLove]

I can’t read your post. If you change it, may help to read.

 

[groovygirl180]

I can’t read your post. If you change it, may help to read.

What can't you read? Is it the font?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

How do they act when you pick them up to put them out? Do they make a weird noise and act irritated? Are there feathers inside the nesting box? Are their bellies missing feathers?

 

[SilverBirds]

Sounds like they've gone broody.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I agree, they're broody. Silkies are famous for it.

 

[groovygirl180]

How do they act when you pick them up to put them out? Do they make a weird noise and act irritated? Are there feathers inside the nesting box? Are their bellies missing feathers?

No, they act fine. I take them outside and they wander around, peck at the grass...And I haven't noticed any thinning feathers. I swear, if we didn't take them out, I wonder if they'd even eat!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I have never had a silkie so it’s possible they act like perfect sweethearts when they’re broody. All my broody hens have been just like every other mama animal: very protective of their nest. So, me not not knowing anything about silkies other than what I’ve read about their tendency to go broody aside, I still think they’re broody. If you want them to hatch something that’s great. Here is some more info:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rst-turkey-strut-to-weaning-the-chicks.76878/