broken eggs in nesting boxes

[Math]

We have been having broken eggs lately. We usually average 24 eggs from 26 hens. One day this week we got only 12 eggs and another day we got only 7 eggs. The rest of the eggs had been broken and there were pieces of egg shell and egg yolk in four nests. The golf balls were on the ground in front of the nests. I think a hen accidentally broke an egg. Then, I think the hens got in a frenzy eating the egg shells and broke more eggs.

I cleaned the nests and put much more pine shavings in the nests than usual. Yesterday we were back to 23 eggs with no signs of breakage. However, 2 of the eggs and one of the four golf balls were on the ground in front of the nests.

 

[Math]

Update. No more broken eggs. Thank God.

 

[zekii]

Our Maran group finally started laying eggs a coop weeks ago, We were finding broken eggs in the nest boxes, initially we though the shells were thin, but we have been offering oyster shells free range, well this weekend most of the eggs were crushed in the nest boxes, and not much yolk or white left, so it looks like we have one or more chickens eating the eggs. From what I've read here we should try the gulf balls or ceramic eggs in each nest box, and keep on offering Oyster shells.... I hope this helps

 

[cmerk]

Three of our hens have gone broody. We only have 11 hens. Now I am starting to find eggs in the nest without shells. Is it a bad idea to feed the chickens egg shells we save?

 

[cmerk]

Our chickens are also without feathers in all types of places on their bodies. Blue Coat is being used. This chicken business is getting to be more trouble than it is worth. Our rooster Big Bad John was found yesterday morning without his head.

 

[cmerk]

Sounds to me like you have a fussy house cleaning hen. LOL