Caught the hens eating an egg

[jo1981]

Hi
This morning when I opened the coop I noticed an egg on the floor of the coop which the hens had started to eat I haven't noticed this before and normally they lay the eggs in the nesting boxes.
Please could you let me know if this is normal. If not how do I stop this please?
Thankyou

 

[sunflour]

I had the same experience a few months ago - and was really concerned they would start breaking and eating eggs. Was ready with fake eggs to try and deter further egg eating. But, in my case they have never done so. I think the egg eaten got accidentally broken being rolled out of the nest and they saw opportunity.

IMO before you take drastic measures, just watch to see if this is a pattern. Hope it is an isolated event.

 

[earthformed]

Chickens are omnivores and will even be canibalistic if given the chance. I doubt the eggicide was intentional but more an opportunistic endeavor. Like @sunflour said I doubt there is a need for extreme measures just keep an eye on them as always.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[nj2wv]

welcome to BYC !!

 

[drumstick diva]

Hopefully, it was a one time deal. Egg eating is a hard habit to break, if one chicken does it, soon they all do. You may want to pick up eggs more often than usual so they don't have a chance to be around them too long. Also you can put a golf ball or two in each nest box. If they try pecking them - they will fing they do not break open.