What happens to the eggs that have been sat on do not hatch Does hen remove them or eat from nest predators?

When eggs that have been sat on do not hatch, the hen may react in different ways depending on the species and individual hen. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Abandonment: In some cases, the hen may abandon the nest and the eggs if they do not hatch within a certain period. This is more likely to happen if the hen is a first-time mother or if she has experienced unsuccessful nesting attempts in the past.

2. Removal: The hen may remove the unhatched eggs from the nest. She may do this by pushing them out of the nest with her beak or feet, or by carrying them away in her beak. Removing unhatched eggs helps to keep the nest clean and reduces the risk of disease.

3. Eating: In some cases, hens may eat the unhatched eggs. This is more likely to happen if the eggs are damaged or if the hen is experiencing nutritional deficiencies. Eating the eggs can provide the hen with nutrients that she needs to stay healthy and continue laying eggs.

4. Nest Predators: Unhatched eggs can also attract nest predators, such as raccoons, skunks, and crows. These predators may break or eat the eggs, and they can also pose a threat to the hen and other chicks in the nest.

5. Incubation Period: The incubation period for chicken eggs is typically 21 days. If eggs do not hatch after this period, it is likely that they are infertile or that there was a problem during the incubation process.

If you notice that eggs in a hen's nest are not hatching, it is important to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to ensure the well-being of the hen and any other chicks in the nest.