Concerned about sitting hen

[PupsNHens]

One of my Buff Orps went broody and is currently sitting on six eggs. Today is day 16 of her sitting on the eggs. Several days ago I moved her to a nest box closer to the ground and surrounded by a pen to keep the other hens out of her way. I put a large bowl of water and a bowl of flock raiser feed, with scratch grains on top. I check for evidence of her getting off the nest daily, mainly poop in the pen. However, I worry that she is not eating or drinking enough. It's hot here now, and although she is in a protected area, I worry she is not drinking enough water. Today she wanted out of the pen, so I let her out to dust bathe and get some fresh air, but when I caught her to put her back in the pen (because I was leaving and didn't want her pen open after dark), I noticed that seems to have lost quite a bit of weight. Her comb is also going pale. She went right back on the nest and I hand fed her some scratch. Is there anything else I can do for her? This is the first time I've let a broody hen sit, so any advise would be appreciated. - Thanks!

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

Feed her scrambled egg, it will brighten up her comb and today is Day 16, only 5 days to go.
Just like my broody duck, same hatch day
Keep us posted on how it goes.
Just hang in there, soon she’ll be out with little chicks following her around

 

[PupsNHens]

Feed her scrambled egg, it will brighten up her comb and today is Day 16, only 5 days to go.
Just like my broody duck, same hatch day
Keep us posted on how it goes.
Just hang in there, soon she’ll be out with little chicks following her around

Thanks. I'll give that a try. I'm excited to see how she does with the babies and what we get

 

[dunnmom]

I have my first setting hen, too. She is also the type who doesn't want to leave the eggs. I make her get out. I pick her up off the eggs and set her down in the run in front of some food. Once she's out of the coop, she takes care of her business and goes right back to her eggs. I don't like disturbing her, but I'll be damned if I lose my favorite hen to broody stubbornness.

 

[ChickNanny13]

It's normal, sitting hens rarely leave their nest especially towards the end and they do loose alot of weight. Once the chicks hatch, she'll be back to eating but it's a good idea to feed extra protein. That's why it's advised to break broodies ASAP if not wanting chicks or no Roos, it's for their health.

 

[dunnmom]

I've been assured that weight loss is normal, however I do plan to switch her to the higher protein chick starter this weekend, because she's awfully bony under all of those feathers. She's also a Buff Orp.