Broken empty shells in nest box (day predator)

[Fractanimist]

For the past week all or maybe all but 1 egg is broken in the nest box. They are broken open at the end and content eaten. If I wait until late morning to open the coop the hens lay the eggs and they are fine to collect. They are only eaten when I open the coop early morning and let the hens free range all day. My hens have free oyster shells. I have had issues with them eating eggs in the past and this is not the same.

One of the chicken books suggested it might be a “jay, crow”. Any ideas if this predator sounds right and how to deal with them?

thanks!

 

[nchls school]

If you type in on your search box -"livestock and Animal Predation Identification" you might find the answer as to what may be eating your eggs. The page says nothing about crows and jays but from experience I know they will rob nest. Crows are more likely to go into a coop. However most wild birds of this type are intelligent and wary; not the most likely predator to go into an enclosed area like a coop. Look for holes in the wall and floor of your coop. Rats. Good luck.