Hen sitting on very dirty eggs - ate some too

[WendyAraminta]

Hello
I have a hen brooding on some very dirty eggs. During the first couple of days when I checked on her I had to take cracked and empty eggs out. A week or so ago I checked during the time she was out and there were six eggs. I hadn't checked again until a couple of days ago and see that there are now only 4 so she must have eaten two more - shells and all. These eggs should hatch on Sunday (4 days). I have not candled the eggs, is it too late for that? Should I be concerned that they are dirty and the nest is dirty. Can I clean out the next and eggs while the hen is out in the morning?

Thank you so much for your help! I'm thankful for this forum!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Is this a first time Momma? I'm thinking the eggs eaten weren't good, she was nest cleaning for the hatch? Being that you have only a few more days, you could leave them or remove them....I've never hatched eggs under a hen so I'm probably not much help. IF you decide to try candling be careful no shaking & keeping the round side up.

If she's a 1st timer, I'd give her another chance.

 

[WendyAraminta]

Is this a first time Momma? I'm thinking the eggs eaten weren't good, she was nest cleaning for the hatch? Being that you have only a few more days, you could leave them or remove them....I've never hatched eggs under a hen so I'm probably not much help. IF you decide to try candling be careful no shaking & keeping the round side up.

If she's a 1st timer, I'd give her another chance.

Thank you for your input. I guess we'll see what happens on Sunday.

 

[ChickNanny13]