Hatching Egg being Pecked by Broody Hen

[Erik-Sarasota]

I have a buff orphington hen who has gone broody. Out of curiosity I kept 10 eggs w her to incubate and put another 10 in my incubator. I noticed today one watch hatching. Later, though I saw her peck at it and pull off parts of shell. I was not sure if she was helping, if she knew this was another hens egg and trying to kill the chick or just hungry. Any ideas or insight would be appreciated. I know we are not supposed to help chicks hatch but wasn't sure if the rule applied to the birds themselves...

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would keep an eye on her. Some hens are not good mothers. I have never seen a hen helping. I have seen hens attacking chicks.

 

[oregonkat]

I have a buff orphington hen who has gone broody. Out of curiosity I kept 10 eggs w her to incubate and put another 10 in my incubator. I noticed today one watch hatching. Later, though I saw her peck at it and pull off parts of shell. I was not sure if she was helping, if she knew this was another hens egg and trying to kill the chick or just hungry. Any ideas or insight would be appreciated. I know we are not supposed to help chicks hatch but wasn't sure if the rule applied to the birds themselves...

I think that @WVduckchick has a wonderful photo of her hen picking off the shell of a hatching egg. Maybe she will jump in here. I wouldn't worry just yet, but keep an eye on your hen just to be sure, but they do help their hatchlings when needed.

 

[cmom]

I noticed you are a fairly new BYC member, . I agree with the others that some broody's are better mothers than others and just watch her for now. Good luck and have fun...

 

[WVduckchick]

I had the hen and a couple of her earlier hatchers help one. It was amazing to watch.
I’ve also had 2 killed by hens this year.