Mystery needing solved.

[PNW_Peepers]

I don’t have an incubator, but I removed the two chicks that did hatch. They are happily under a Brinsea plate in my house. I’m pretty sure she ate it. It’s no where to be found. I dug through her nest. Searched all over her locked space. Nothing. I certainly won’t let her brood again.

 

[townchicks]

Don't you think if she ate it, that there would be blood? Could she swallow it whole?

 

[LaurEliz]

Don't you think if she ate it, that there would be blood? Could she swallow it whole?

I do not think she would have swallowed it whole, and I would think that there would be blood or some sort of tissue left over, but maybe there's a possibility she did manage to clean up after herself very well. I'm not so sure about that.

 

[PNW_Peepers]

If it was freshly hatched and still wet, I honestly wouldn’t put it past her. She’s been on again off again broody since June. She’s basically skin and bones at this point. I gave her eggs in hopes to break her so she wouldn’t starve to death. My broody is a pullet and an Easter Egger. The breed itself has had broodiness pulled from its line essentially. This is her first time hatching. I know most end up being great broodys. I’m thinking she may be an exception to this rule

 

[ronott1]

 

[LaurEliz]

I was browsing other threads on this site about hens eating chicks and one person did say they could swallow them whole, just as they would a mouse. Other people suggested rats or snakes coming in through very small and unnoticed holes and taking chicks, but I think that the hen eating it seems more likely.

I've never had an easter egger stay broody for more than about a day straight. The only broody hens I've had good luck with are silkies and cochins, and they are known for being good mothers.

 

[townchicks]

Well, shoot. Sorry about the chick.

 

[PNW_Peepers]

I was surprised by it too, her EE hatchmate lays an egg every day. The broody has laid maybe six or seven in her life so far. Poor thing can’t do anything right. I’ll keep an eye on the remaining two eggs in hopes that I can save them once they hatch. I’m shocked that she ate it, I prepared for any of the horrible outcomes that can happen with a first time broody. This was unfortunately nothing I predicted!

 

[PNW_Peepers]

Holy smokes guys! We found the missing chick! DH lifted the whole nest up and found this little thing spread out. He somehow brought it back to life. Our house is a sweltering 85 degrees but this little thing is ALIVE!!!!

 

[New2Chicks97]

Well at least you know she didn’t eat it! Glad you found it and that it is going to be ok!