My broody gave up a day early!

[Delmar]

My broody has been on the eggs every time I have checked and I expected that tomorrow would be the day. Instead I came home today and she was off the eggs and they were sort of buried in the dirt and they were cold! I busted the eggs open and they seemed to be well on their way and none of them stunk. I don't get it.

 

[sourland]

Sometimes hens just quit early. Did you check the nest for mites? Mite infestations are a common cause of hens quitting the nest prior to hatch time.

 

[Delmar]

How do I do that?

 

[sourland]

Simply put your hand in the nest. If mites are there, they will instantly be crawling all over your hand. If they are present, dust with a mite/louse powder.