Broody hen has bald spots

[niclaalaa]

Hi, my magpie hybrid hen went all broody, wanting to sit on eggs, and even pushes the eggs back underneath her if they were moved... I have been trying to break her from her broodiness by removing the eggs ASAP, and encouraging her out of the coop into the run and garden.... The thing is, I've noticed she has lost her feathers underneath, she is bald... I've checked for mites and lice, but nothing.. My other two hens have still got all their feathers intact... Do broody hens pluck their own feathers? :/

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They pluck to line the nest and to get the body heat closer to the eggs.

The only way to break them is to get the bald spot cool. An elevated cage or wire dog carrier is the tried and true method. We used to keep about 5 broody jail cages hanging from the ceiling of the hen house.

 

[niclaalaa]

Thanks, I will give this a go... How long does it take to break them from the broodiness?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'm usually successful after 2 days.