Why is my broody hen pulling out feathers?
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Overview
Feather pulling in a broody hen is often part of nesting behaviour, especially around the breast and belly where she wants bare skin to keep eggs warm. It can also happen if she is hot, stressed, bothered by parasites, or if the skin has become irritated.
Most of the time, the key is to look at the pattern, the skin underneath, and whether she seems otherwise well. If the feather loss is heavy, the skin looks sore, or the behaviour is very different from her usual broody patch, it is worth checking more closely.
Things To Check
1. Check where the feathers are missing. Broody hens often pull feathers from the breast and underside, rather than from the back, tail or neck.
2. Look at the skin underneath for redness, broken skin, scabs, swelling, heat or discharge.
3. Watch whether she is plucking quietly while sitting, or whether she is scratching, pecking or fussing at herself repeatedly.
4. Check for lice or mites around the vent, under the wings and in the coop, especially at night.
5. Notice whether the coop is hot, overcrowded, damp or lacking quiet nesting space.
6. See if other birds are pecking at her, which can sometimes look like self-plucking at first glance.
7. Check whether she is still eating, drinking and moving normally when she leaves the nest.
8. Note how long the feather pulling has been going on and whether it is getting worse.
Common Causes
The most common reason is normal broody behaviour. Hens often pull out breast feathers to form a warmer nesting patch and to improve contact with eggs.
Heat and stress can also make a broody hen fuss more with her feathers, especially if the nest box is crowded, bright or disturbed often.
External parasites such as lice or mites may lead to scratching, restlessness and feather damage, and these are worth checking for because they can spread through the flock.
Sometimes the problem is feather pecking from another hen, or general skin irritation that makes her pick at herself more than usual.
Less commonly, a skin infection or another health issue may be involved, particularly if the skin looks inflamed, sore or wet.
What To Do
Start by observing her for a day or two and noting exactly where the feather loss is happening. If the skin looks normal and the pattern fits broodiness, this may just be part of the behaviour.
Make sure she has a calm, clean, dry nesting area and enough access to food and water. Reduce disturbance where possible, because repeated interruption can make some hens more unsettled.
Check the rest of the flock and the coop for parasites, feather pecking or signs that the nesting area needs a better clean-out. If you spot lice or mites, deal with the coop management promptly and keep an eye on the other birds too.
If the skin is sore, the feather loss is spreading quickly, or she seems off-colour, contact a vet or poultry-savvy professional for advice.
Related Questions
Is it normal for a broody hen to go bald on her breast?
How can I tell the difference between broodiness and feather pecking?
Should I let a broody hen stay on the nest?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.