Broody hen with messy bum

[Farmlife16]

My broody has messy feathers and I was wondering if it is necessary to clean her before chicks arrive (today is day 19 of incubation). I don't really want to mess with her at this point, but I'm concerned that somehow her being messy might affect the chicks health. What are your thoughts?

 

[Battlepants]

In general, I would probably just leave her be. Any cleaning would involve cooling her off and allowing the eggs to cool off - both are things you don't want happening at this time.

How bad of a mess are we talking? Could we get a picture?

 

[Farmlife16]

In general, I would probably just leave her be. Any cleaning would involve cooling her off and allowing the eggs to cool off - both are things you don't want happening at this time.

How bad of a mess are we talking? Could we get a picture?

She's on her nest now, but I can try getting a picture when she comes off today. It's not too bad, just dried poop on her back feathers. She made the nest messy twice, so I think that's what did it.

 

[Battlepants]

I'd probably go with the middle ground of just adding more clean bedding to the nestbox. And if you happen to find an easily removable poop in the nest box, go ahead and remove that.

 

[Farmlife16]

I'd probably go with the middle ground of just adding more clean bedding to the nestbox. And if you happen to find an easily removable poop in the nest box, go ahead and remove that.

Yes, I've already added new bedding. Thanks so much for your advice!!