[loopy]

i've got a broody that has been sitting on 4 eggs for the last 13 days, and when i just went to check on her, there are only 3 eggs. She is in a run all on her own, and no other creatures could have got into it as it is very secure. The 4th "missing egg" i am assuming has been eaten by her - there is a patch of wetness in the nest box, and she has left the remains of a bloody shell on the top of the ramp within the run.

Does anyone know if broodies are prone to eating the eggs? could it be there was something wrong with this egg and so she ate it because of this? (was fertile as lots of blood visible) she has access to layers pellets, mixed corn and plenty of water, but i know she hasn't left the nest box unless we've lifted her off it. This morning i didn't lift her off as read that i shouldn't be moving her, and now wondering if she was that desperate to not leave the nest that she would rather eat one of her babies rather than leave it to get food?

[JulieS]

I'm not an expert on hens, so someone might be along to disagree, but she may have broken the egg when she moved around and once broken she ate the contents?  I had a broody hen last year and I watched to make sure she got up to eat and drink.....She did that for a few minutes every day, then straight back on the nest again.

[doganjo]

I think Julie may be right.  It might have had a fragile shell.  What are your shells usually like?  I do get fragile/crisp ones sometimes.