I have a broody buff orp that I placed 14 fertile hatching eggs under. Hatch day was 9/12. Today 9/13 the broody is out of the nest box and at the feed bowl. I see 3 peeps and when I look in the nest box there was 3 unhatched eggs and not enough shells to make the total of 14. What must have happened? The broody is locked in a 2'x3'x8' cage inside the run and had no way out. Would she eat the eggs or does a hen eat some shells? I don't want to disturb the broody at such a early time. I am hoping she has peeps under her. Any thoughts? John
I'm not sure if it's because the eggs are bad, or because they're just really, really hungry. Maybe both.
