Squashed egg under Buff Orpington

[Kit kat Kate]

I've got two broody Buff Orpingtons on 3 eggs each, it's their first time on fertile eggs. They are in the nesting box together. I noticed a chip in one egg yesterday (& assumed it was a chick coming) but it could have been a hen peck. When I looked today under the broody this morning the egg was all cracked and squashed - but movement inside. I've only incubated eggs before so don't know what to do here. I can separate out my two hens if need be.

 

[sylviethecochin]

If you can fire up your incubator, I would do that. The chick doesn't have a chance under the hens if his eggshell's crushed.

EDT: and Welcome to BYC!

 

[Kit kat Kate]

Thank you for the info & the welcome. I've got an incubator on its way so I'll just habe to see if it will work.

I've only got 2 hens in the nesting box, they are side by side and I've noticed the eggs moving between them, shall I take one out? The hatch day is officially tomorrow.

Many thanks.