Can the momma hen tell if the eggs are rotten?

[Miizki]

My Silkie hen is currently hatching some eggs. I counted the eggs and there were eight yesterday but now there's seven? I have no idea where the last one went, there's absolutely no remains or shells so I don't know what happened to it. But anyways, she pushed an egg out and I checked it and I think I saw a blood ring (but I need a brighter light I think). Is it possible that she knows it's bad and she pushed it out? Also what could have happened to the eighth egg?

 

[FoxhallFarm]

Hi there, my silkie broodies have often done this, usually about half way through the hatch and they usually try to roll them away as far as they can while staying within a safe distance of the nest. The first time it happened I replaced the eggs only to find the same ones had been once again unceremoniously booted out. I never checked the eggs after that, I trust their judgement. Those silkies sure take their motherly duties seriously! Best of luck for a great hatch.

 

[Miizki]

Ok thanks. This is the six or seven day. I got the eggs from my schools farm area were theres fertile eggs. So I don't know how long they were sitting out in the nesting box. Also I'm afraid to take that egg out. I don't want to kill it, but if it's already dead then I don't want it to explode. What should I do?

 

[Cavendish Chickens]

You could try to candle it and see what you find out that way. That's a pretty good way to determine if it's good or not. Sometimes momma's know, sometimes they just kick them out because they don't want them, and sometimes they kick them out by accident. Try candling and see what you find out that way.

 

[Miizki]

Ok thank you. I think I will try to candle it again tomorrow but with a much brighter light.