Young broody silkie

[Krysholland]

I have a young silkie hen approximately 3 months old. She’s not laying yet. Tonight when I was closing the coop up I noticed she was she was moving the 2 eggs from my older leghorn layer, and sitting on them. (Large egg for a small hen ) is this normal behaviour? If not what should I do. I’ve read that silkies can be broody and are generally late layers but I’m new to raising chickens.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Wow. 3 months old. But...a Silkie. Yes, they are NOTORIOUS for going broody. So much so I purposely bought 2 of them to hatch expensive breeder eggs and raise chicks after I burned down a coop with heat lamps on young pullets. Those two Silkie hens literally built my flock.

Yes. That is broody behavior. Stealing other eggs and sitting on them. I once had a broody hen that always hatched 110%. Give her 5 eggs, she hatched 6 because she had stole an egg unbeknownst to me and kept it under her wing. I learned to frisk her before setting eggs to be sure I knew the count (and she still snuck one by me).

So yes. The (broody) force is strong with this one. She will be a notorious brooder. Watch to make sure she is eating and drinking appropriately and does not get underweight. I expect a full brood by 4 to 5 months. Then give her some eggs. It will bless her little heart to no end.

LofMc