Where have the eggs gone..

[secuono]

Well...I got 2 eggs a day back a little while before when my Momma went broody. Then a new hen started laying while Momma was broody, so still 2 eggs a day, would of been 3 but there was a broody.
Now that Momma has hatched the eggs and is inside...1 egg a day. Last 2-3 days no eggs at all!
I've checked around the yard, but I see nothing...
Are they hiding them real well or just not laying??
Should I lock them up for a bit?

 

[Judy]

My guess would be an egg thief. Snake, rat, skunk, weasel, etc., etc. Or a broody has hidden the clutch she is saving up well.

 

[shelleyd2008]

If they are free ranging they are probably hiding them. They're jealous of mama broody and don't want you stealing their eggs

 

[secuono]

Broody has been in the house with her hatched chicks for 2 weeks. They were laying until a week ago.

I found an egg today, in a bare wood box. It was raining and lightening, so I left them all locked up until I got home. But only one egg and it's a little off. Bottom is very round, but then goes up to a point, like a water droplet, just not as elongated.

I'll check around the yard some more. As for something eating them, wouldn't there be evidence of it eventually?

 

[secuono]

Found them! I was cleaning up some crap and happened to spot something white under some wood!
Nest of 17 eggs! Left 2 in there, since its a great spot and I've caught my barred Roo dust bathing in the bucket nests.
So, 15 eggs are in the bator, it would of been 16, but I dropped the odd egg I found this morning....its odd shape did it in.