Missing Eggs

[emae623]

So my momma call duck ( I have two hens and 1 drake) has been sitting very very well on a nest of 8-9 eggs for nearly two weeks. When she started nesting I locked their coop as my chickens are jerks and like to kill other animals eggs. So nothing could go in or out, well I left my husband in charge while I was gone this weekend and some how one duck got out. And now all of my poor mommas eggs are GONE!! The goofy duck that got out was just standing there waiting to be let back in but what on earth could have happened to moms eggs?? There was no mess, no shells or anything just no eggs at all anymore. Could she have moved 9 eggs across the coop to a different spot or do I just assume something ate them? She doesn't seem upset or anything but my mind is blown.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Do you have snakes? Rats?

 

[emae623]

We have seen snakes before. Never rats. Our guineas are having a heck of a time too since something keeps throwing their eggs all over the place! And a dorky chicken who laid outside her eggs are gone too! our coop is raised a bit but no saying a determined snake cant get in there I guess.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Hmmm. Maybe set up a camera.

 

[house.of.ducks]

I’d set up a camera. It’s probably a small but it could be a two legged thief too and if anyone human is stealing your eggs you definitely want to catch them. It’s most likely just a hungry, very persistent snake lol.

 

[emae623]

I’d doubt its a person being we only have one neighbor and many many acres surround us. Could our barn cats be doing it? They live in the same barn but have never so much as looked at a chicken in a harmful manner

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Anything is possible, but if a cat were doing it, I would imagine there would be evidence somewhere.
Obviously, there is a breach or the one duck wouldn't have been able to get out.

 

[emae623]

I think I found where she escaped and have since solved that problem so hoping they lay more. does anyone know if she will lay more and continue? shes very broody when laying and I just hope she starts again but not sure if that is something they do or if ill have to wait until next year

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

They will lay, not sure about continuing to be broody though.
@chickens really can probably answer the broody question.

 

[emae623]

Okay so counted all my hens tonight at bed time and one is gone. My friend said 8 of her guineas and 3 hens and her rooster even are all gone!!! Something is lurking!