[danmegal]

Hi, feeling a tad paranoid and anxious now that Emma chicken is only days away from hatching out her first chicks! I was expecting her to lose a bit of condition over the 3 weeks but is it normal for her to lose so many feathers? Sorry can't post any pics , she is virtually bald underneath and around her crop, is this normal?

[Caralou]

Yes, don't panic. My girl is totally bald underneath (looks hideous as she is a white silkie with a black belly all exposed). It helps to keep the eggs and chicks warm by closer body contact. She'll need some TLC after hatching to get herself back in shape, but she will be fine. I take it she is eating and drinking when removed each day?

[danmegal]

Yes she has been fantastic (first time, hybrid broody), only out for 20 mins and straight back to her nest. Eats her corn, has a drink, but hasn't had a dust bath so is looking rather tatty, guess she's saving that pleasure for next week! Thanks for putting my mind at rest.

[joyfull]

Yes, don't panic. My girl is totally bald underneath (looks hideous as she is a white silkie with a black belly all exposed). It helps to keep the eggs and chicks warm by closer body contact. She'll need some TLC after hatching to get herself back in shape, but she will be fine. I take it she is eating and drinking when removed each day?

you mean I'm getting a bald silkie 

[Caralou]

She'll have some fluff under again in a few weeks  Rose is fully fluffed though, just Bella with a bald bum and tum 

[joyfull]

my Brenda Lee stayed nearly fully feathered but Mrs Rhythm lost a lot, can't tell now though and her chicks are only 4 weeks old.