eggs nevered hatched out

farawaygrass

hi all. had a hen that was hatching up 3/4 way on a loose bale of straw in corner of fully enclosed shed. put eggs under her and 3 weeks later there was no sign of any of them hatching out. got a neighbor who knows a a bit about them to look and he wasn't too optimistic. eventually after a couple of days i put hen back out and broke eggs. 7 out of 8 had fully formed chicks inside but all dead. there was thunder in the last week or so but didnt think would affect them as were up on straw. any ideas why they didnt hatch out?? by the way, hen was well looked after food and water wise and never got up off them

recedite

farawaygrass wrote: »

never got up off them

You sure?

farawaygrass

she was put out one by another hen but max two hours, other than thqt i'm sure

recedite

Two hours would not be a problem in warm weather. There are always a few that form but don't hatch, maybe they have some deformity or maybe they are just weak. Breaking open the egg is quite tough for them, they can be chiseling away for hours with their beaks to get out. Some just haven't got the strength.
It is strange that they all died though. Better luck next time.

martinangus

2 hours is to long for her to be away from eggs.

Qualitymark

If you can get hold of a silkie, they're demons for setting and wonderful little mothers.