Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Meganymoo]

Its day two of our chicken sitting on eggs, and i lifted her off this afernoon and she has no feathers on her belly and it is all sore and red! She looks in pain but i dont know what to put on her to help her but not harm the chicks in the eggs! HELP!

Edited April 5, 2011 by Guest

[percy049]

I know hens do this when they are broody, I think it's so they can cover the eggs/chicks better to keep them warm. I wouldn't worry though, I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will come soon!

[Meganymoo]

Thanx i just panicked because it was so red!

Edited April 7, 2011 by Guest

[Tara.F]

Racey Lacey (excellent mummy) pecks the feathers off her chest to brood, I think it must help her to gauge(sp?) the temperature of her eggs.

Sounds like your girl knows exactly what she's doing

[Redwing]

Skin exposed by feather loss/removal turns red, its normal

 

Unless its actually sore/broken/weeping I wouldnt worry

[Meganymoo]

Phew! thats a relief! its her first time so i dont know if she knows what shes doing! When i pick her up its so wrinkly and weird!

[charlieh]

I have a broody ,bee sitting 18 days now. She did exactly the same plucked her chest, this is normal when they sit, helps to keep the temperature right.

[Pikey]

My broody Olive has done it too.