Personally, I'd steer clear of the cheap imported incubators. The reviews I've seen were not very good. It's better to make your own if you need to keep the costs low, otherwise, I'd go for the Genesis Hovabator for about $30 - 40 more than this one.
I had a similar situation. What I found was that she was the lowest on the pecking order. I put her in a separate pen with some younger birds and the all grew back
If you don't see Fresh Eggs Daily stuff, here was their post this morning.
Eggs in Clouds
I'm getting a few WR. Also getting a few PPRs. My WRxPPR crosses (which are coming out blue w/white penciling or blue barred are in with the PPR so I'm not sure what's what. I think they're starting to molt bc their egg production is downI have noticed that when feathers are pulled (such as during a disagreement or by rooster activity) the hen often will not regrow till she has a molt. Some of our broody hens often look scraggly in their back when they start setting and through their hatch, but often about 2 weeks before they leave their youngsters I start seeing large quantities of new feathers growing in. This makes sense since broodies often go through a light molt after raising a clutch.
If your hen was getting close to her normal molt then Mother Nature probably just has it organized so she doesn't have to grow feathers in twice.
Good luck!!You will love getting to watch the broody mamas with their little ones!
I may be hitting you up for some hatching eggs... I just had another hen go to a box... she was due since she is usually a May and September hatcher. I would love to get some WR eggs if you have any for hatching. I am loving the Rocks I have.
Egg #2 around 2:30 this afternoon.
