Broody Bantam Not Keeping Eggs Warm Enough

[lovelyduckling]

I have a broody bantam (pic for reference) and she just doesnt seem to be keeping the eggs warm enough. I understand she is small so she only has 3 of the bigger hens eggs under her (most likely fertile). She also hasnt plucked her breast feathers off like most broody hens do. I'd like her to try and hatch some eggs but shes been on them all day and they are barely warm at all. Is there anything I can do?

 

[Chookwagn]

I have never had a broody hen pluck herself???
In 21 days you will know if she knows what she's doing.... my bet is she does

 

[lovelyduckling]

I have never had a broody hen pluck herself???
In 21 days you will know if she knows what she's doing.... my bet is she does

I've had one other broody and she plucked her chest feathers. Everything I see says they do that to have skin to egg contact to keep heat better. I just didnt know if it was unusual that she didnt do this and if that's why her eggs arent very warm

 

[Chookwagn]

I've had one other broody and she plucked her chest feathers. Everything I see says they do that to have skin to egg contact to keep heat better. I just didnt know if it was unusual that she didnt do this and if that's why her eggs arent very warm

Have you checked the temp of the eggs with a laser thermometer or something like that? Or just going by feel?

 

[lovelyduckling]

Have you checked the temp of the eggs with a laser thermometer or something like that? Or just going by feel?

I'm going by feel. I know that's not reliable but it's like lukewarm. That's the best way I can explain it