My hen pecked all the shell off an egg. The chicks beak is out and it is peeping. What should i do? Why would momma hen do this?

[JubileeFarmer]

I have hatched two sets of chicks under broody hens and both times when I collected the empty egg shells one shell was missing. I searched the nest box and the floor below the nest and couldn't find the missing shells so I am assuming that the hens ate them. It probably fulfills some nutritional deficiency. Perhaps your hen just needs the egg shell in her diet so badly that she isn't waiting for the chicks to hatch.

 

[MagicalUnicorn]

I have hatched two sets of chicks under broody hens and both times when I collected the empty egg shells one shell was missing. I searched the nest box and the floor below the nest and couldn't find the missing shells so I am assuming that the hens ate them. It probably fulfills some nutritional deficiency. Perhaps your hen just needs the egg shell in her diet so badly that she isn't waiting for the chicks to hatch.

I have feed hanging in the coop right next to the laying boxes as well as oyster shell available. Idk what else to do. I think from now on I will just incubate and brood the eggs myself.

 

[the_peanut_coop]

I have feed hanging in the coop right next to the laying boxes as well as oyster shell available. Idk what else to do. I think from now on I will just incubate and brood the eggs myself.

That is probably the best idea. Sorry this happened :/