??broody?? hen has a bald belly!!!

[wanderseek]

This hen we have has been sitting in the next for like three days. No eggs under her except a couple of fake ones. Today, I finally lifted her off the next to shooed her out to get some food and drink. I felt that she was extra warm on her belly, checked her out, and her belly is bare! It's like she plucked herself bald down there! Do broodies do that to keep the eggs next to the skin so they'll be extra warm? Is this normal? Should I be concerned? Any words of wisdom? This is our first time with a broody hen.

Thanks!!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
Yes, broodies can remove their belly feathers to prepare for warming eggs. It's normal and no cause for concern. Now's a good time to put some fertile eggs under her if you're so inclined, otherwise, it could be a while before she lays her own eggs again!

 

[Surehatch]

Quote:
Yes, broodies can remove their belly feathers to prepare for warming eggs. It's normal and no cause for concern. Now's a good time to put some fertile eggs under her if you're so inclined, otherwise, it could be a while before she lays her own eggs again!

Good point