Egg disappeared from under broody hen

[terriminx]

I have the same problem. Had a broody hen so got her a couple of fertile eggs to hatch. We are now days from hatching and from one morning to the next (when she gets off the eggs for a short time) one egg completely disappeared. Nothing whatsoever left. All I can think of is that she ate it as she thought it not viable? Definitely no rats can get into the roost. There just seems no other explanation.

 

[GitaBooks]

Broody hens don't usually eat eggs, whether or not they are viable, though it is always an option. When eggs are eaten (whether by a broody hen or other chickens) it often leaves a mess of shell and "egg goo" in or around the nest. Perhaps the eggs were kicked out of the box?