Clutch-y Hen destrying Other Hens Eggs

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

I have a hen who is in the clutch creating stage, laying her eggs in a special spot in preparation for brooding them.

When she goes in the area the other hens are laying in, she attempts to destroy/eat the eggs.

Is she an egg eater, or is she exhibiting some kind of broody behavior related to eliminating competition? I have noted wrens and other song birds trying to make every other nest site in their territory uninhabitable by other birds.

If she is an egg eater, I am prepared to get rid of her.

If this will clear up when she is past the broody stage, I'd kind of like to keep her around.

 

[ranchhand]

I've had 7 broodies this year

and none did that. Is there any way you can go ahead and isolate her with only her own eggs now? If she starts attacking her own eggs, forget her as a broody because she is risky for killing her chicks.

 

[BankerJohn]

sounds like your hen needs a new name, "Crock Pot" or "Drum Stick"

 

[joletabey]

JoAnn- that is strange- I guess I would isolate her and her eggs also, see what happens.