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- #11
- Jul 7, 2014
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I’ve tried breaking her in the past and it didn’t work. I’ll have to try again though. Maybe I’ll pick up a rabbit cage when I get little peep a friend (there’s no way I’m giving this chick back to her). The only cage we have is a big dog crate, but she can fit through the bottom section lol.YOU NEED to break her or GIVE her away she is brooding her life away literally and NOT in control of her hormones that are causing it. DO you need tips on how to do this? Surely your daughter wants her pet hen healthy. Please let us know if you need tips for broody breaking, adopting, etc and include pics of your set up if you like.
She will NOT get bored and just quit she will keep on until she dies from malnutrition. She should not be eating layer feed if allowed to brood long term. Layer is for active layers. Consider using a flock raiser or grower with oyster shell on the side for more active layers.
Some SIlkie's I had would go broody every 3rd egg they laid regardless of whether I let them sit and hatch eggs and raise a clutch or just broke them. I bred Silkies for a few years and had a little Silkie army in the end. They weren't the bird for me... mostly because of the excess broodyness. Some ladies would only go broody twice a year or so and that's not excessive. Anyways, I truly DO get your frustration.(life is too short for stupid birds, no more SIlkies for me
(to Silkies)
We did have some that were very well rounded, even their laying ability... more breeders should aim for it, while sticking to the SOP.
Collecting eggs as soon as they are laid makes ZERO difference. As stated, they will brood air.
Not all Silkies have vaulted skulls. They are known as determined and stubborn truly... but they are fairly handicapped if put in a new environment once their crest has blinded them. They are not all created equal.
Maybe there is too much activity or flock dynamics going on for her to be successful? Nest hopping is a real problem. But broody's don;t go into lockdown like incubators... they still need to eat, poo, drink... Usually when they hear peeping they should be cued to sit tighter.
Feed store chicks adopted in the middle of the night, after a couple week of sitting is a good option IF you know she is capable or are prepared to raise them yourself.
If her eggs went missing then something stole or ate them... unless hen is actively seen doing it... she cannot be held accountable, especially if eggs get broken defending her nest from flock mates. Rats have been known to eat broody hens alive... they are in a trans like state.
Congrats on your next little one!
we only have the 1 silkie, she’s adorable, but man. She’s so stubborn.
