Could they REALLY have eaten the whole thing ?

[crtrlovr]

sounds highly unlikely that there would be absolutely NO sign if the chickens ate them... I'd tend to think it was something else. Since you said you left the bucket "in the chicken barn on top of the cage as I walk out", sounds like it would be a rat or snake, since a skunk or other critter would have less success getting to them up higher.

 

[drumstick diva]

Is there a chance that some human predator, stuffed them in pockets, apron, etc. and absconded with them? Dust the bucket for prints

 

[MiniBeesKnees]

Chickens may eat the eggs, but they don't swallow them whole...there would just have to be evidence of broken eggs. Just saying...

 

[flgardengirl]

I am wondering if it was either a snake or human predator. We had a visit from a human predator last week. Someone (had to be human) opened our egg box, pulled out the fake easter egg I had in there to encourage my hens in that coop to lay (they are very close to laying age but not officially laying yet) and opened it and threw it on the ground behind the coop. They stomped all over my tall crinium flowers that are behind the coop and flattened them as well. No way could an animal lift up the lid on our nest box it is four feet long and has a heavy lid. They would have had to prop it open to get the plastic egg out and then open it and throw it out onto the ground--no scratches or teeth marks on the plastic egg either (the back of the coop with the nest box sticking out, is out of the run areas so the chickens couldn't have done it lol) I think it must of been someone looking for eggs or maybe kids. There are dense woods behind the coop area. I put a lock on the nest box and so far, no more problems.

 

[Guinea Goonie]

OK, this is what I am going to do. I am going to sacrific a dozen eggs and put the bucket in the chicken pascture (the area right outside the chicken barn) and I will take my camera and record the carnage.

NOW, this may take some time to get done, so bare with me. My chickens are a bunch of little shenanigans, always causing problems and getting into EVERYTHING.

I will let you all know...........

 

[emys]

How large is you squirrel population?

 

[Guinea Goonie]

Quote:
The little buggers are everywhere. They are fat and sassy too.

 

[savingdogs]

We had some egg eating going on for awhile and the eggs were just plain gone, no sight of them. We discovered it was happening because we found a few pecked eggs and started watching them closely. One of our chickens was consuming the whole egg and managed to get rid of all evidence. But 30........

We have lost two dozen eggs before without a trace, but they were on the kitchen counter within range of a counter surfing dog, who happily licked up every shell and trace. She just couldn't consume the carton I had them in!

 

[emys]

The little buggers are everywhere. They are fat and sassy too.

Shiny coats too. Bet your eggs are in the trees.​

 

[Sjisty]

I caught my Australian Shepherd sneaking eggs when I left the bowl within her reach. The last time I caught her and hollered at her, she brought it back intact and laid it at my feet. She hasn't tried since.