Broody Hen help

[nickolyte]

My hen just became broody about 2 days ago, on the third day her face color changed from being red to white. Now I thought being pale was normal since she is losing some protein from laying eggs. This is my first ever having a broody hen so if the color on her face is normal please let me know

 

[hinkjc]

They don't typically get very pale until the last week of brooding, when they are pretty depleted if they are not coming off the nest as often as they should. She doesn't look that pale to me, but it's hard to tell by pics. If you're concerned, do not let her sit on eggs and check her over for external parasites.

 

[elmo]

Are you worried about mites? One thing you could do if you're nearby the nest time this hen comes off the nest to eat/drink and poop, is to carefully take the eggs out and replace the bedding in the nest. You could put a nice layer of poultry dust down on the bottom of the box and then put fresh bedding on top, then put back the eggs.

She isn't laying eggs while she's broody, by the way. They stop laying when they begin to set.

Does she have food and water close by? Is the nestbox in a sunny area or is it shaded?

 

[nickolyte]

The nest box is by a shaded area with a little sun, yes she does have acces with water and food. How can she get mites?