There are ways around protecting yourself and approaching in teh least possible threatening manner. A good set of kidskin leather gloves and a long sleeve shirt are tops on the list for you if one does go broody. (kid skin specifically because it is thin and pliable - so still get reasonable sensation through the gloves so you can feel eggs, feel her keel bone for weight loss, etc., yet they will still offer a reasonable amount of protection. You will probably still feel it in a meaningful way, but no open wounds, and no ability to actually grab skin and tear it to shreds....,, mwahaahaa...just kidding on that last bit.
Seriously, though, if it happens, try to reach under her from the breast...but sideways, not straight on from the front. And, only do once to check eggs a few days in, and as needed to make sure she gets off the nest if needed. For the latter, gently but firmly grab her around the sides (so she can't flog you with her wings), make sure you are holding her facing AWAY from you, speak and move gently but firmly, and set her next to feed/water and STEP AWAY. See, not so bad after-all, right
Rural Mouse is absolutely correct - some are hands off. You only really need to 'handle them' if they aren't getting up to eat, poop, and dust bathe at least once per daySome broodies (Momma Ol' Bat) are hands off. She also gets off on her own. Creative solutions will be found if/when they're needed. We got you on this.
