Chickens eating eggs...Help

[CrazyDoubleBs]

So for about the past month or so now, I will only find 1 or 2 eggs in my boxes when I go out to collect my eggs. Before I was getting nearly 18 every other day. I know we had a very severe winter this year and thought maybe that had something to do with it.

Well, I have now caught a few of my chickens and our 1 duck just feasting away on the eggs. I have read other articles and threads here about egg shells being thin or their diet not having enough protein and calcium. This is not the case with my flock. They have all the nutrition they need and I actually check several times a day for eggs now.

Is there a way to get these chickens to stop eating the eggs? Or am I doomed since they seem to enjoy eating them.

Thoughts and ideas an suggestions greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance,

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are feeding them? All the nutritional needs aren't being met if they are eating them as chronically as that. I get an occasional egg eaten, but never a free for all.

Adding golf balls or ceramic eggs can help, but the underlying problem needs to be addressed. Hens need enough protein on a daily basis or they will go looking for it.

Another thing is to make sure your nests are high enough off the floor to deter curious looking, and slightly darkened. Floor eggs often get eaten.

 

[CrazyDoubleBs]

I am feeding them the same organic layer feed that has approx 17% protein in it, along with their daily scratch also organic that we get through my husband's work. I have also given them such things as greens, the occasional bread scraps, vegetables etc. I have changed nothing in their diet, and they get the same stuff every day. I noticed this happening, the absence of eggs in mid January after we spent nearly 2 month snowed in with extreme cold weather. Again, I gave them oatmeal and yogurt which is regular treats for them, but than o e day I caught our duck just eating away at the eggs, I was able to save a couple before he used his bill to break them all open.

When I went into the coop this morning, there was my duck with one of the chickens and what was left of an egg. I have also been making sure that their calcium levels are good and other nutritional needs. I am concerned erned as we have 10 New Plymouth chi ks that will eventually be integrated into my flock, however I don't want to do that if all our eggs are going to be eaten.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Daily minimum is 16% protein. Once you add in all the extra stuff your birds are no longer getting enough protein. Either switch to a higher protein ration, or cut out all the extras unless they are higher in protein. Things like eggs, cottage cheese, canned fish, and meal worms. Always keep a separate dish of oyster shells for calcium. It can take a while for hens to become chronically deficient in protein, once they are they usually have two options to fix their diet, eggs or each other.

 

[CrazyDoubleBs]

Okay, thank you. I will give this a try with a higher protein intake and also cut out the snacks for them. I will keep you posted and hopefully they will be back to normal soon.

Thank you again,