Baby chick crushed while hatching

[mandi98]

My broody hen had 4 eggs and only one fully developed. Today was hatch day and she didn't get off the egg once it started to hatch. When I went to check on her, she was still sitting on the egg. It was crushed and the chick had died. Is that normal with first timers?

 

[sourland]

I wouldn't say that it is normal with first time broodies, but it does happen sometimes. Bigger more clumsy hens are more likely to crush eggs than are smaller lighter weight hens. Disturbance of any sort can also lead to eggs inadvertently being crushed - multiple hens setting together, hens trying to get into the nest to lay and similar situations can be causative. Inadequate nesting material can also be a factor. I like to see a hen with a nicely constructed bowl shaped nest. In my experience grass hay is an excellent nesting material. Good luck with any future attempts. I would not hesitate to give this hen another try.