Can broody hens that have no fertilized eggs still pick out chest feathers?

[JacinLarkwell]

What breed are they? I’m curious now if it’s a breed thing. Just a newbie learning where he can.

Black sexlink, bantam Cochin and pheonixes

 

[JacinLarkwell]

They never picked out their feathers when they were broody???

Nope. I've never had any birds, even hens that brood for a week or two, pluck feathers

 

[CrazyChicken Lady]

Thank you! Arent chickens amazing!

Your welcome.
They really are awesome!!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

My hens never pluck themselves or use feather for their nests unless the feathers are already there

I've had 3 birds that have gone broody. First 2 did not pluck their bellies. 3rd one did before she fully set, leaving an entire nest box festooned with her feathers.

 

[333113]

When I walk by the pen, those feathers floating around give me the hint as to what's going on.