Shrink wrapped under a broody hen😔🥲

[Pollmadoll]

So sad this am I was so excited day 21 arrived and the chick had externally pipped . But this am day 22 no chirping as it had died with its beak out. Clearly shrink wrapped. Why would this happen if not using an incubator?????

 

[PippinTheChicken]

Did the hen leave the nest during hatching? How many eggs were there?

 

[MotherofOrpies]

I have this problem in the summer, when it’s really hot and dry, that is why I use upside down grass sods as floor for the nest, scratch a shallow indention for the eggs, and haven’t had a problem like that anymore

 

[Pollmadoll]

There were only three eggs under her

 

[PippinTheChicken]

There were only three eggs under her

What breed is she?

 

[Pollmadoll]

What breed is she?

Pekin a first time mother

 

[PippinTheChicken]

here are my theories

1. mama got off the nest during hatching
2. the egg wasn't fully under mama

 

[Onlysony]

I just had this too. Broody hen had 4 eggs under her. All died at various stages except one. It made it almost all the way out of the shell but was shrink wrapped and died. She, currently, has 3 live eggs under her - due May 24. Is there anything I can do to boost the humidity in a drier climate? What should she be nesting on - currently on soft hay covered by shavings in a nesting box.