Plucked Belly, Is She Broody?

[TyRi]

Quick question for you more educated folks! I have a Olive Egger lady, about a year and a half old.. she just stays in the nesting box as much as she can and she isn’t always in the same box and still looks healthy. The boxes stay clean so I know she isn’t like not moving or pooping in there. Just went to shut everyone in and she was in a box on an egg but my big question is… I noticed tonight that her belly/halfway up her chest is almost all plucked! Off google sounds like her trying to be broody, but just wanted someone to say yes! There is no rooster with them but 3 cockerels in a side pen so is that kicking her into it?? I don’t care if she sits in there especially if she isnt making it messy but just curious if that is more than likely it! Thanks!

 

[sourland]

Just as a rooster or cockerel is not needed for a hen to lay, they are not needed for one to go broody. Sounds as if she is at least pre broody.