Hatched eggs, no chicks?

[LynnsFlock]

Hi all, I have been raising Ameraucanas for about 5 years with great success.
This year, more specifically, this past week, I keep finding hatched eggs in the coop, but no chicks.
What is going on?
They aren't accidently broken, and the coop is as predator proof as it can get.
Mama has been sitting on them for 3+ weeks.
Can anyone help with this mystery?
Thanks in advance

 

[sourland]

Something is killing and eating the chicks - most likely flock mates, crows, rats, snakes ------

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree, something is eating them. Has this particular broody hen hatched chicks before?

 

[LynnsFlock]

Oh, not the answer I wanted.
Must be flock mates.
Never have seen any evidence of rats or snakes in the coop.
I lost my old girl that used to sit on everyone else's eggs along with hers, last year.
How do I figure out which one is doing it?
Coop cam? LOL
Thank you btw for the replies.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Keep us posted. Good luck.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I would totally put a camera in the coop.
I hate to say it, but the mama could be the one doing it. I've had a young hen or two in the past who loved to brood eggs, but would freak out when the chicks hatched and kill them.

 

[Punkybrewster]

Move her and any eggs shes sitting on out into a safe penned up area to hatch the rest. Anything you can use as a brooding space. See what happens.

 

[LynnsFlock]

I think I'll try moving her and see if it's her first.
If not, I'll try a cam with the next batch.
I have nesting boxes, but she prefers the floor where everyone has access to her eggs.
Poor chicks!
Thank you all again for the help!

 

[Crazy Chicken Helen]

I would totally put a camera in the coop.
I hate to say it, but the mama could be the one doing it. I've had a young hen or two in the past who loved to brood eggs, but would freak out when the chicks hatched and kill them.

I've had that happen with a broody silkie, luckily she only killed the first chick. We took the rest of the eggs off her before they hatched so she wouldn't do the same!

 

[aart]

I think I'll try moving her and see if it's her first.
If not, I'll try a cam with the next batch.
I have nesting boxes, but she prefers the floor where everyone has access to her eggs.
Poor chicks!
Thank you all again for the help!

I sectioned off an end of coop for broodies, 4x6 and has it's own run.
Much simpler for me and broody.