Anyone else dealing with early broodies?

AimeePearn · Post by **AimeePearn** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 1:57 pm

This unseasonal warmth has two of my silkies very confused. (London area)

My coop is insulated, has deep litter, and never seems to drop far below zero. I'm going ahead and letting them follow their instincts, but I'd love to hear from more experience folks; would you take the risk? Is it just foolishness?
I'd also appreciate an opinion on what temp I should move them into the emerg crate in the cellar; -5, -10? Lower? Or just take our chances with the situation that the ladies have created...

As always, thanks for your opinions.

Aim

Post by **Killerbunny** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 2:23 pm

Doug the Chickenman will know this one!

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 3:41 pm

I caught one today, she was in the nest box too long and tossed her out. No broodies for me until there's real spring grass.

SandyM · Post by **SandyM** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:48 pm

I have a Silkie that is on eggs in her nesting box. She did this today. 3 eggs. She has a fit when I go near her. I'm wondering if I should let her sit ... Almost March when the chicks come along.
My coops aren't insulated.

I also had a dualie / meat breed that was in a nest - outside - on a bunch of eggs. I dealt with that and off the nest. A few days later Josh found an egg in the little shed we have, in a box.

Doug The Chickenman · Post by **Doug The Chickenman** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:33 pm

Mine don't stop even at minus 30 they just keep on sitting.
I have lost a hens because they refused to get off and eat or drink.
When it gets that cold we put them in pet carriers to bring them in the house.
None of my coops are insulated or heated.

We let them go but be aware of when hatch date is so you can steal the babies so they don't freeze to death if they wander away from mom.

windwalkingwolf · Post by **windwalkingwolf** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 1:24 am

I've got one little hen who has discovered the fake egg in the turkey nest, and thinks she wants to sit on it. I'm not going to let her LOL

ross · Post by **ross** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 6:01 am

Like your nest box Aimee . Very secure & private .I have some small pens here i just put um in for awhile to get there minds of broody this time a year . Luck

SandyM · Post by **SandyM** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 7:27 am

Well the Silkie is off her eggs and out in the pen. Guess she was just kidding. :/

Ontario Chick · Post by **Ontario Chick** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 9:31 am

SandyM wrote:QR_BBPOST Well the Silkie is off her eggs and out in the pen. Guess she was just kidding. :/

She just wanted to see your reaction?

SandyM · Post by **SandyM** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 10:20 am

Ha!!! Totally. What a little tart!!