Bare Belly on Broody Hen

[Wild Chicken]

We have our first ever broody hen....YAY....but she has no feathers on her belly. Is this normal? I was a bit concerned for her since it is freezing cold here......

Thanks as always

 

[paddock36]

Mine did the same thing. I believe it's pretty normal.

 

[kellykate]

Yup, totally normal. They pull out the feathers on the front of their chest so their skin can have direct contact with the eggs -- keeping them nice and toasty! What a good mama already!

 

[SmartyChick]

Ours plucked her chest too. It's normal. Happy brooding!!!!!

Sigh, I wish one of my ladies would go broody so I have an excuse to have fuzz butts

 

[Chicken Downunder]

Both of my broody girls have bare chests too. It freaked me out when I first saw them and all the feathers laying around the nest but I quickly learnt that it was normal.

 

[Wild Chicken]

Phew.....thanks!! Makes me feel better!! She has been broody for about 2 weeks now. I make sure she gets out of her nest everyday to eat and drink (she complains the whole time) and she's right back up in the box. Tomorrow I am purchasing 2 large cages and I am planning on putting her in one of them....I've been saving eggs the last couple of days......and letting her hatch some eggs. It's really cold here in Michigan so I'm planning on keeping a heat light on her when she hatches the chicks.


Any advice in all of this would be greatly appreciated

I have been wanting a broody for sooooooo long, just not when it's sooooo cold

And thanks again

 

[paddock36]

I wouldn't force her off the nest she might abandon it. She will get off when she needs to. I think the light is probably a good idea to help keep it warm especially for the chicks.

 

[Mahonri]

loose the feathers and you add humidity.

Just the right amount.

Maybe they sweat more when they are on "Lockdown"?!

 

[Wild Chicken]

She is really sweet.....I have her sitting on 8 eggs and she never once has pecked at me when I have reached my hand in the cage to change her water, etc. She is very intent on hatching these eggs....I don't know who is more excited, her or me

2 1/2 more weeks and we will see how she does!!!

Thanks for the advice as always!!

 

[Tool]

I know its and OLD thread.... But answered my question perfectly.

Just wanted to say thanks..