Broody mama hen going into moult??

[CluckySam]

My broody hen, who is raising 3-week old chicks is looking very bedraggled and has lost head, neck and chest feathers. Is this a normal thing for broodies, or could there be an underlying other problem?

Thanks.

 

[zazouse]

She will be fine i have one the same way she is a production red and hatched out 5 chicks, they are 3 weeks old now and she looks like a porkypine on her neck and back.

 

[crazyhen]

Broody hens go through a lot and they need extra protein during the setting process. Give her a mix of salmon and yogurt and it will help her to regain her feathers quicker. My broodies start laying often a month or 5 weeks after they have brooded. Poor mommies. only stickers for their babies.

Gloria Jean

 

[CluckySam]

Thanks for your advice.

Sam

 

[card5640]

Ihave had it happen too, I give a bit of dairy and a fat and finish feed it has more protein. I place food near her nesting so she will continue to eat, I find it puts them back into laying quicker as they are healthier and recover more quickly.