Broody hen looking pale

[Madeline90]

We are letting our broody mama hatch a few eggs just for fun. One has hatched, with the others to follow soon. It is so hot today and she is looking so pale. She has had water and food right next to her for several days and I added electrolytes to her water several days ago as well. Every window and vent is open for air flow. Is the paleness normal for a broody hen who has sat this long?

 

[Madeline90]

Another picture with her breathing heavily

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes. This is normal. I also have a broody setting. She has 13 days to go.

 

[lazy gardener]

Is her nest shaded? If not, IMO, that is crucial.

 

[Madeline90]

This is a comparison of my other chickens and how big and red their combs are

 

[Madeline90]

Is her nest shaded? If not, IMO, that is crucial.

Yes it is shaded and well ventilated

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Then she should be fine. As Lazy Gardener said, comb paleness is normal in brooding hens due to the change in hormones.

If she has shade and ventilation with water nearby, she will be fine.

LofMc

 

[Madeline90]

Then she should be fine. As Lazy Gardener said, comb paleness is normal in brooding hens due to the change in hormones.

If she has shade and ventilation with water nearby, she will be fine.

LofMc

Thank you!

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Id put some frozen water bottles in the area with a fan to help her out

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Id put some frozen water bottles in the area with a fan to help her out

I agree if she is panting a lot. I wasn't thinking about really high temps as we are barely registering in the 70's right now...but if you are approaching upper 90's and 100's, then something to help keep the air a bit cooler would be good.

But don't fuss too much if she is not showing signs of overheating. Hens will pant a little when they are warm, including brooding ones. If she is panting a lot, and looks hot, then some cooling would be in order, just be sure she doesn't get a blast of cold air somehow as that could mess with things.

Good luck. Be sure to post how the brood came out
LofMc