Hen setting on eggs and I found one dead chick

[greenthing]

I just went to check on my hen because I'm not really sure when she started brooding or when the chicks would hatch and today is within the 19 to 21 day period.

When I lifted her off the nest I found a dead chick that was still wet. Is it possible that she might have stepped on it and killed it? Also I didn't see the remains of the egg that the chick hatched out of, is this normal?

I'm a little worried about the other chicks now. Is there anything that I can do?

 

[Cuban Longtails]

The chick could have died after hatching, there's no telling. As for the egg pieces missing, the hen usually eats the leftover shells.

I'd remove the dead baby and let her sit the rest of the eggs.

 

[greenthing]

Thanks. I removed the dead chick and my hen was content to get back on the eggs. It's a little disappointing but I'll survive. She still has 12 more eggs under her so maybe some of them will hatch.

 

[Rte.66_chicks]

That is sad. Keep us posted.