[shetan]

hi all,

just had a slightly weird call from my sister. her broody brahma has been sat on 9 legbar/jersey eggs that are due to hatch on saturday. this is our 1st hatch for both us and bird.

sister has come home to find broody's chest caked in blood/smashed shell etc.

she noticed the egg when she popped home at lunchtime but as i was teaching today couldn't get hold of me to ask what to do. she said she saw something pink and pointy - possible an elbow/knee poking out but egg was in the middle of nest and thought to leave it until i got home.

there doesn't seem to be a sign of the chick though. could the broody have eaten it to destroy the smell/evidence? or could sister have been mistaken about the soft pink 'thing'

any advice greatly received.

[joyfull]

yes if she had crushed the shell by treading on it and the chick wasn't properly formed, most wild animals will do this. Even pet rabbits will also eat their live young if they are disturbed and think you are a threat.

[shetan]

thanks joyfull - all other eggs are fine bar one which is showing a hairline fracture.

no sign of any changes in the broody - will keep an eye on her.

cheers