Broody hen cracked open hatching egg

[1WildHairL8tr]

Thanks everyone.
I thought I did something wrong -- I shouldn't have been so eager to check on the baby.
No this was her first clutch. Something got to 4 of the 5 eggs and "Hulk" was the last one who survived.
My DH said he thought it was a snake. So he built a totally seperate coop to house the brooder. It's beautiful and safe and now it's empty.

Okay.

So what can I do for momma? I just checked on her and she's moved to the main coop and is sitting on the eggs which were laid today. Should I just let her continue to sit? I have been diligent about bringing her food to her and keeping water by her, so she really looks healthy and doesn't look like she's lost any weight. I just don't want her to be sad ... but I also don't want her to be in harm's way.

I ordered a clutch of eggs for my other hen who's broody -- maybe I'll split them up between those two girls and try again.

The kids are home and we're off to bury Hulk.

Thanks everyone for your support.

 

[keljonma]

You can put eggs under her. Or you could, if you have some, put some day old chicks under her. If you put chicks under her, she may act like they are hers and raise them. I think I'd leave her in the broody nest area for a while. That way she won't be disturbed by the rest of the flock. Keep an eye on her, she may be done with her broody spell. But you might get lucky; she might hatch another clutch. But that means you are asking her to sit for another 3 weeks. If that's your plan, I'd suggest feeding her extra protein and calcium.