Who is killing the babies???

[Sacri]

We have a broody chicken so I got four fertilized eggs from a friend. About 7 days in I found an egg out of the nest and cracked. Upon inspection, there was nothing growing in it so I figured that was why. However yesterday another egg was knocked out of the nest (looked like it had been pecked). There was a forming baby in there. Today, the same thing. Are the babies dying and momma is discarding the eggs? Is another chicken pecking the eggs? Is momma pecking them herself? Why and how do I stop this? We only have one fertilized egg left. :'(

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is the mom isolated or is she in a box where the rest of the flock can get to it? If she's not in isolation it might be impossible to tell without a camera capturing it.

 

[Sacri]

Is the mom isolated or is she in a box where the rest of the flock can get to it? If she's not in isolation it might be impossible to tell without a camera capturing it.

She is not isolated. We tried moving her and she had a fit. Should I try to move her and the last egg now?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Can you possibly put something around her nest box (like a dog exercise pen that can be unhinged to make different shapes would be great) to keep her somewhat isolated without having to move her? Obviously she'll need a source of food and water in the area as well.

If she's the one destroying the eggs, at least you'll know for sure that way, and if that's the case, you might want to reconsider if she's a suitable broody or not.

 

[Sacri]

Can you possibly put something around her nest box (like a dog exercise pen that can be unhinged to make different shapes would be great) to keep her somewhat isolated without having to move her? Obviously she'll need a source of food and water in the area as well.

If she's the one destroying the eggs, at least you'll know for sure that way, and if that's the case, you might want to reconsider if she's a suitable broody or not.

We tried moving her to an isolated area. She completely freaked out. I thought she was going to hurt herself trying to get out. I tried to show her that her egg was with her and she tried to peck it. So she is back in her original nesting box and the egg is inside with me. Frankly, I'm not even sure this one is viable. This chicken came from a previous owner and has hatched eggs a few times before for them without any issues. I'm not sure what to do.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is it not possible to isolate her in the box she's already chosen? Even taking some chicken wire and some duct tape and sort of duct taping a fence around the front of her box (to give her space to come out and eat and drink and poop) should do for now.

 

[Sacri]

Is it not possible to isolate her in the box she's already chosen? Even taking some chicken wire and some duct tape and sort of duct taping a fence around the front of her box (to give her space to come out and eat and drink and poop) should do for now.

The box is elevated off the ground