Broody Hen eating eggs

[Likenoothergerl]

I have a Australorpe that has been on her eggs for 19 days and now in the last 2 days 2 eggs have come up missing no shells baby nothing, I only have 3 left under her I'd really like them to hatch, Should I take them away at this late date? She is alone so I know it has to be her, Any help would be great.. thanks

 

[Erica]

An unpleasant but necessary question: can rats get into the area where she's brooding?

A rat will sneak under a hen at night, and roll the egg away or open it there and then to eat the chick. The hen may gobble up the shell later to keep her nest clean.

I feel it's unlikely a hen who's been sitting for that long would suddenly start the habit, so I'd be looking at vermin.
Sorry this is happening, it's a big problem wherever chickens are kept.

You might be able to move her and eggs at night to somewhere safer, or you might try placing a ratproof cage over the top of her, and putting food and water inside the caged area (as long as the water isn't deep enough to drown chicks).

Best of luck!

cheers
Erica

 

[Likenoothergerl]

Well she is in a room off of my garage, behind a closed door, tile floor and no holes.. shrug really strange stuff. Thanks

 

[FuzzyButtsFarm]

I have had this happen a few times. If something happens to the egg, gets cracked, broken etc. the hen will dispose of it to keep the nest clean. Also if she senses that something is wrong with the egg, smells or its a dud she will do the same thing. Have you been candling the eggs? There may have been something wrong with it. At 19 days the hen will be able to hear the chick move into hatching position so she knows which eggs are viable.

 

[Likenoothergerl]

That is probably it, thanks for your help, I found a home for my Rooster so these eggs are it from him, crossin my fingers not 3 boys.

 

[ChicKat]

Good luck with your hatch...... sending you non-rooster vibes. (are you in Australia? They will get there JUST in time for hatch!) LOL