I was checking on one of my broody hens that was sitting on 4 orpington eggs that were due to hatch tonight or tomorrow and found that 2 of the eggs looked like they had pipped and was then flatten. One of the chicks looked like it was partially out when it was flattened. The shell was separating from the membrane. Did the weight of the hen do this or was it something else? They were ok last night and the shells seemed normal, not thin. Needless to say both chicks were dead.
I had something similar happen last spring with my cochin broody. What we were told was that something must have scared her and caused her to jump, thus squishing a few eggs and a couple newly hatched chickies. She had never done anything like it before, or after. I just had another broody crunch an egg today (due today) but luckily the chickie was still alive and I was able to get it inside and let it hatch the rest of the way. Sorry for you loss and hopefully the other two will turn out. Jess
My Pekin Hen squashed her first two so I took her eggs away and finished the hatch in the bator. She's sitting right now and I'm practically sitting with her!
