Mama Hen Questions- losing feathers and won't let us touch the chicks

[ninanonna]

Thirteen days ago, our broody hen hatched three chicks. In the last couple of days, I've noticed that she's been shedding lots of feathers in the brooding box, and they're scattered and strewn all around. Is this common? She doesn't look bedraggled or like she's molting. In fact, aside from being a bit puffed up, she looks pretty normal. The picture below shows some of the feathers.

My other question is: how can we get to hold these chicks? If we pick one up , the mama freaks out and comes at us. Any time we try to touch one of the chicks, she puffs up and runs interference. I'm afraid they're going to be completely skittish around humans.

 

[ninanonna]

Sorry- meant to post this under a different category.

 

[chickenvillemom]

Hi. My broody hen went through a molt after hatching eggs this spring. I was concerned too, but after some research I learned that this is common after their bodies have undergone the stress of sitting on eggs. My hen lost her tail and neck feathers -- looked pretty bad for awhile, but regrew her feathers quickly and now looks great. I'm fairly new to this and I can't really answer your second question -- my hen allowed me to handle the chicks. I did find that we handled these chicks less than others because they relied on mama hen to take care of their needs -- they weren't as trusting of us as the chicks we raised on our own without a broody hen. But, they're coming around as they get older. Hope this helps a little!

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

Some hen are just very protective of there chicks.If it were me I woud just sit down by her and grab a hold of her with my one arm and grab what ever chick you want to hold she may not like it but just pet her and try to show her that you arent hurting the chick.Maybe even bribe her with some treats to let her know that you are nice.I had a broody that was laying on these eggs and anytime I got remotely close to her she made this growl type cluck noise.I guess she felt threatened or something and all i was doing was putting some food by her because she wouldnt get up to eat.