cracked egg shells in nest

[treeclimber233]

The only nests that the cracked eggs are in are the roll-away nests my husband built. I can't use any bedding in them or they wont roll-away. It is not freezing here so that is not the reason they are cracking (I collect them every night). My other nests have hay/straw in them. Those nests are not having the "cracked egg" problem. As mentioned earlier the only pen that has the cracked eggs is the only pen that has free choice oyster shell. The shells do not seem to be thin. Some eggs are cracked on the end like the picture shown but some are cracked all down the side. Some cracks have a spiderweb of cracks from a center point. Very frustrating.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Wondering if putting a carpet remnant cut to size would help?

 

[gmc]

I believe I'd hang around when you have time and watch how they are being cracked. The carpet idea sounds like a good one to me.

 

[treeclimber233]

When my husband built the rollaway nests I did not know what angle to have in the nest so I propped the back of the box up a bit more so the eggs will roll a bit faster to lessen the time the chickens have to peck on them. I'll see if that helps any.

 

[rooster-red]

Quote:
Mine love it too, we tried hay and they kick it all out and refuse to lay in the nest boxes.

 

[gmc]

Quote:
Mine love it too, we tried hay and they kick it all out and refuse to lay in the nest boxes.

Interesting. If mine would use litter I wouldn't have to keep replacing it as much. Your right Red, they kick it out. I think I spoiled mine early with hay then there was no turning back. Guess I'm doomed. The carpet idea sounds pretty good to line the boxes thou for us that have to use hay or straw.

 

[greenmulberry]

Could you put down some of those rubbery shelf liners? You may have to afix them with a tack or two so they don't get bunched up.

 

[pattycake]

I had the same problem -- the egg eaters were eating the eggs that had already cracked a little, and they cracked right at the tip end as they came out of the chicken.

It seemed like the shells were too weak, even though I give them oyster shell.

Eventually the problem just... went away. Go figure!

I haven't had a cracked egg or an eaten one in weeks now. I have no idea why...

You might just do what you can without making yourself crazy and see how things are down the line a bit.