I no longer will have the joy of Christmas chicks hatching! My broody hen began with 11 eggs, then kicked two out of the nest within days. Therefore, it was down to 9 eggs when I candled last Saturday (Day #6). I then candled again Thursday (Day #11), which 5 eggs were M.I.A?! Of those I candled I left only 2/4 eggs which appeared to be developing. Today (Day #12) I opened the coop this morning to find mama hen off the nest which is a rare sight. Only one egg to be seen... hours later it was clear she abandoned it. I am so bummed! My suspicion is my overzealous lover-boy rooster is crushing the eggs under mama hen. There doesn't seem to be enough bedding in her nest area of choice because she tends to kick it away until she finds the bare floor. My idea is to replace her favorite nesting spot with a shallow crate that will serve as a nest. Any suggestions or pictures of you own solutions?
*huge hugs* Have you ever used that nesting mat made of plastic? At least she wouldn't be able to kick it away. If possible I'd keep over zealous man away too.