Camera to catch possible Egg Eater?

[gtaus]

I know this question gets asked every so often, but the latest thread I found on this subject is now 3 years old. I am dealing with low egg production, and want to rule out an egg eater situation. I have seen no broken eggs, but from what I understand, an egg eater can get at the egg and clean up everything leaving no signs. I would use the mustard in the egg trick to see if that works, but here in northern Minnesota, any egg left in the nest box for longer than a couple hours will freeze and crack. So, the mustard egg trick might work later in the springtime, but not an option right now. Last winter I was averaging 6-7 eggs per day for 10 hens, this year, the second winter with the same hens, I am averaging 2-3 eggs per day.

What I would like in a camera is the following:
-battery operated (for weeks or months between recharging)
-wifi would be a bonus, but not necessary
-CF card to record and loop record if full
-Expandable system as I plan on using the camera, along with others, for security of my property
-Easy to relocate camera as needed
-one time purchase, no monthly fees

In the long term, I will be using the camera(s) for property security and mainly need to have a resolution good enough to read license plates. I live out in the country, on a lake, and nobody gets here unless they drive in. I don't need real time monitoring, but if something gets stolen or broken into, I would like to be able to retrieve the data from the CF card. Using this camera to catch an Egg Eater is just a short term idea.

I have lived on this property for over 30 years, and most of that time never worried about security. But, in the last few years, we have had some problems and now I have to lock up everything or risk things waling off on their own. Any advice or help on this camera issue appreciated.

 

[WhySayWhat]

For a "quick and easy" camera, Harbor Freight sells cheap security cameras, I have one still up in my coop from 10 years ago! However, we are upgrading this spring to a new system. My husband seems to be a collector of security cameras and has several sets down in his office. We are going to be adding one inside the coop and one in the run so we can monitor our hens (arriving at the end of April) better. However, it is a system that requires power. Maybe a solar battery would be a useful option?

Hubby is the "computer" guy in the family, so I just tell him what I want and then he makes it happen for me.

 

[gtaus]

For a "quick and easy" camera, Harbor Freight sells cheap security cameras,

I did not know that. I'll have to see what they have available. I don't have a Harbor Freight where I live, but I have ordered tools online from them. Yes, a solar battery would be an option. I just can't get an electrical corded camera system to cover all of my 3 acres of land.

 

[Yardmom]

Of course an egg eater is a possibility, but most hens take a break from laying during the winter. That does not include pullets who have just started laying, so less eggs year two than one. Some people add light to shorten the break. Also make sure to have oyster shells available if you suspect egg eating. Good luck on the camera search.

 

[linguini]

Here is a thread from last week

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/looking-for-camera-recommendations.1446057/#post-24033912

 

[gtaus]

Of course an egg eater is a possibility, but most hens take a break from laying during the winter. That does not include pullets who have just started laying, so less eggs year two than one.

Maybe that is what I am seeing with my second winter hens. I look for signs of egg eating every day, but never catch any eggs pecked or broken even when I go out and check for eggs every 2 hours. Also, my hens have been in their coop for about 2 months and have never gone outside. I think it might be too dark in the coop to encourage egg laying. If I keep the chickens for another third winter, I think I will add a light to see if that helps.

 

[gtaus]

Here is a thread from last week

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/looking-for-camera-recommendations.1446057/#post-24033912

Thanks. Lots of good info there.

 

[chickentrains]

We have a nest, which is very fitting..

 

[aart]

Maybe that is what I am seeing with my second winter hens. I look for signs of egg eating every day, but never catch any eggs pecked or broken even when I go out and check for eggs every 2 hours. Also, my hens have been in their coop for about 2 months and have never gone outside. I think it might be too dark in the coop to encourage egg laying. If I keep the chickens for another third winter, I think I will add a light to see if that helps.

Molting should have been apparent by now.....did they molt at all or just keep laying?
If you have an egg eater, true that they can eat most the evidence, but if eaten in the nest there will still be some they can't get that sifts down in to the nest bedding. Dig your hand down into the bedding.

Do you have any windows at all in the coop?

Mustard will just make a more obvious mess, and may not deter them at all...plus the freezing temps would make it a bad idea IMO.

 

[gtaus]

Molting should have been apparent by now.....did they molt at all or just keep laying?

Most of them went through their molt late last fall. One of the hens just finished her molt a week ago. It appears that all hens are done molting.

If you have an egg eater, true that they can eat most the evidence, but if eaten in the nest there will still be some they can't get that sifts down in to the nest bedding. Dig your hand down into the bedding.

I only have a thin layer of wood chips and pine shavings in the nests. No signs of broken egg shells or yolks to be found.

Do you have any windows at all in the coop?

Yes, I have 2 18X24 inch windows in the coop. There is natural light in the coop, but not like being outside in the sun, of course.

Mustard will just make a more obvious mess, and may not deter them at all...plus the freezing temps would make it a bad idea IMO.

I would not even try the mustard egg trick until the weather is warmer. I really don't want to have to fool around with a mustard egg freezing, cracking, and making a mess in the nest box. If there was an egg eater, I was hoping that the mustard egg would deter that behavior, but you don't seem very convinced that it would help.

Still thinking my best bet is to buy a camera for home security and set it up temporarily in the nest boxes to see if I can catch an egg eater in action. Have been looking at the all the options and trying to find a system that would for me. Lots of options to consider. Thanks everybody.