Broody hen issues

[IslaBean]

when you let her out if she runs back to the nest it was too soon

She’s not going to the best at all. That’s the strange part about it.

 

[igorsMistress]

Is she molting?

 

[chickens really]

Sounds like a Molt to me...

 

[pennyJo1960]

could be

 

[Kale Chips]

Based on the fact that your hen has a bare chest, I am thinking she has gone broody and might even have a secret stash of eggs she is sitting on (especially if she is free range). Hens usually pluck their feathers out like that in order to have direct contact with the eggs so that they are warmed properly. At 1 1/2 years old, it is unlikely a molt, as it is not fall yet and she is obviously not going through a juvenile molt. So yeah, your hen is broody. I have never had to break a broody hen myself, but they often recommend cooling the chicken down in order to let her chickie crazed hormones level out. Often they do this by putting the chicken in a wire bottomed crate with plenty of airflow. Keep in mind if it is hot where you are you'll need to bring the hen cool water several times a day so she doesn't get dehydrated, keep food in the crate, and make sure she has a shady spot so she doesn't overheat but can still see her flockmates. I think they usually do this for a day at a time, letting the chicken out in the evening. If she goes back to a nest, she gets to go back in the crate for 24 more hours. If she goes to roost, you are all set and everything is fine and dandy! I am sure if you search "how to break a broody" at the top of this forum you will find tons of answers! Good luck!

 

[aart]

Last week my girl Pearl started sitting on a clutch of eggs. I immediately removed the eggs from her and she seemed to return back to her normal self a day later. However, yesterday when I went to let my chickens out, I noticed that there were white feathers everywhere. Today it was worse. I noticed that Pearl’s underside is getting a little bare. What can I do to stop this? Thanks!

How long was she sitting on this clutch....most the day and all night for how many days in a row?
Do you want her to be broody?

 

[IslaBean]

Based on the fact that your hen has a bare chest, I am thinking she has gone broody and might even have a secret stash of eggs she is sitting on (especially if she is free range). Hens usually pluck their feathers out like that in order to have direct contact with the eggs so that they are warmed properly. At 1 1/2 years old, it is unlikely a molt, as it is not fall yet and she is obviously not going through a juvenile molt. So yeah, your hen is broody. I have never had to break a broody hen myself, but they often recommend cooling the chicken down in order to let her chickie crazed hormones level out. Often they do this by putting the chicken in a wire bottomed crate with plenty of airflow. Keep in mind if it is hot where you are you'll need to bring the hen cool water several times a day so she doesn't get dehydrated, keep food in the crate, and make sure she has a shady spot so she doesn't overheat but can still see her flockmates. I think they usually do this for a day at a time, letting the chicken out in the evening. If she goes back to a nest, she gets to go back in the crate for 24 more hours. If she goes to roost, you are all set and everything is fine and dandy! I am sure if you search "how to break a broody" at the top of this forum you will find tons of answers! Good luck!

Thanks!

 

[Kale Chips]

Thanks!

Sure thing Also, it just occurred to me that maybe you'll also want to check her over for mites or something else that could also cause feather irritation. Just one more idea to add!

 

[IslaBean]

Sure thing Also, it just occurred to me that maybe you'll also want to check her over for mites or something else that could also cause feather irritation. Just one more idea to add!

Thanks!