Broody hen losing eggs?

[Egg Nog]

my broody hen has lost 2 of her 3 eggs, any ideas what happened to the eggs? Has she been eating them? She seems overprotective of them, though. Is something eating her eggs? I have given her food and water every day, (or once every other day). What should I do?

 

[sourland]

Feed should be provided ad lib at all times so that she can eat whenever she wants. Do other chickens have access to her nest?

 

[Egg Nog]

yes, i would rather not keep her in a enclosed space, so she can hop up and go get water in food whenever.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

yes, i would rather not keep her in a enclosed space, so she can hop up and go get water in food whenever.

If you do not separate her from the others, it is impossible to ensure the safety of the eggs. Been there. Done that. Twice. It doesn't work.

If there is room inside the coop to section of a small corner for her, use a small shoebox for her nest, provide a chick-size feed and waterer, she will accept the nest quickly. Feel free to remove her once a day and put her with her flockmates, after 10-15 minutes she will come back and be ready to sit on her nest. Help her into her nest then leave her alone.

 

[Egg Nog]

Okay, i'll try and seperate her.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Okay, i'll try and seperate her.

I've truly feel your sadness and frustration, but don't feel bad about giving her a tiny space. Broodies aren't interested in being very social. She will be quite happy to have a private space. How long has she been sitting? We used chicken wire and sectioned of a tiny corner for our girl.

 

[Egg Nog]

She's been sitting there for about a week, I justed moved her to a enclosed space with her last egg. thank you!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

She's been sitting there for about a week, I justed moved her to a enclosed space with her last egg. thank you!

Do you think you'd add one or two chicks for her when it hatches or leave the singular chick? I was in the same boat. Lost 4/6 eggs, but thankfully the last two hatched. This was last year though.

 

[aart]

I justed moved her to a enclosed space with her last egg

She only had 3-4 eggs to begin with?
Did you find any signs of broken eggs under her?