Burrying eggs??

[BlueO]

Wow!

 

[RcoM]

Totally get where you’re coming from--Goldilocks conditions do happen! But even in those ‘miracle’ cases, I’d argue it’s less ‘dirt magically hatched chicks’ and more ‘dirt happened to mimic a broody hen’s dedication.’

Heat + humidity fluctuations? Sure. But stable incubation requires that nurturing consistency--whether from feathers, a warm rot pile, or sheer dumb luck. (And let’s be honest: ‘I read it happened once’ is fun to ponder, but it's still admissible to say you would side-eye a guy claiming he raised one in his backyard.)

Either way, love the discussion!

Me too! My theory is the straw helped insulate and many successive layers kept them warm. Possibly the hen hiding them (to build a clutch maybe?) was a slightly broody night nester or just a naughty hen sleeps in the nest box anyway! Interested as I found one buried in straw and my hen looks suspicious too. You know the "I want babies look"? Cocked head, acting secretive.

 

[RcoM]

Also, I'm in the south. It's been 80'ish during the days so it's feasible the soil could have gotten warm enough to incubate. I also use the hot litter method for their bedding and we see how warm natural composting is. I'm almost tempted to experiment with fertile eggs in the dirt

That's so coooool!!!!!!