hen losing feathers while sitting on eggs

[sus9441]

Is it normal for hens to lose feathers while she is sitting on eggs for some time? (the amount of feathers lost is higher than regular times when she does not sit on the eggs)

 

[Ravynscroft]

Yes, that is perfectly normal... hens will usually pluck out their own feathers from their underside so the eggs sit right against their skin and to use the feathers to insulate the nest... also, some will go into molt while sitting... as long as she doesn't have severe weight loss, or looks/acts sick then she should be fine...