other hen pecking at eggs

[Collins Chicks]

My Japanese hen is sitting on about 12 eggs now. My Silkie started going in and sitting with her, but would do it a couple of times. This morning I saw her in the box pecking at an egg that wasn't covered. It looks like she pecked a hole in the top. They are due to hatch for another week. I'm not sure if I need to try to move mama and the eggs or just watch. any suggestions?

 

[sourland]

I would move the silky to another pen.,

 

[Heron's Nest Farm]

Have you checked to see if there was a viable chick in there? Sometimes they peck dead ones or non fertile. If it'as not her brood then isolate her.

Also, maybe throw some vitamins in her water as it could be a sign of her trying to get something missing from her diet.

 

[Collins Chicks]

is it safe to move the mama hen and eggs to crate inside?

 

[Collins Chicks]

I don't have another pen but I could bring the broody hen and eggs inside.

 

[Heron's Nest Farm]

Do it at night when she will be disoriented. Then she will be waking up elsewhere, eggs intact.Be super gentle with the eggs. Move them first to the area while she sleeps, then transport her to avoid her suddenly standing and crushing or jostling eggs. Good luck!

 

[Collins Chicks]

When I got home from work and checked the eggs the one she was pecking at was going bad it like it never developed past the first week. She hasn't been in there since.

 

[Heron's Nest Farm]

Looks like she's just doing her job!