Hungry Hen?

[Danceswithchicks]

Everytime my year old hen broods she doesn't eat very much and she loses weight. She acts like she is okay, but I'm still concerned. She always has access to food and water. Is this normal?

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Very normal. She is using only the bare essentials (energy) to brood. I also leave my hens with food when they set but they stay true to that unwritten rule that they only get up no more than twice a day to eat, drink, and do their business.

I even notice that some of my hens' wattles turn orange. But they are too deep into their broody trance to really feel anything. They'd really give anything for their offspring. Some hens will starve themselves and die as a result so I make it my busness to take them out at least once a day an close off their nest for a few minutes. Then I put her back shortly after I know she has something in her tummy.

 

[cmom]

I agree. Very normal.