Crud, I've got an egg eater

[SkyWarrior]

Okay, what do I do? I have an egg eater. Today I opened up the barn and I did see a couple of eggs in one of the nests, but I was too busy to fish them out. When I got home, they were gone and three shells were mixed in the litter.

Mea culpa.

What do I do now?

 

[mommyofthreewithchicks]

What I did this winter was figure out who is eating the eggs and isolate the culprit for a few days. Make sure if they are laying to grab their eggs soon after so they don't get to eat them. After a few days put them back with the crew and watch for signs that they are continuing the behavior.

 

[Judy]

Your egg eater may not be a chicken. Any of several small or young animals could have done that. Maybe you can play detective and figure it out.

If it is, rollaway nest boxes are about the only sure solution, if they consistently lay in a nest box, of course. Sometimes golf balls will discourage them.

 

[SkyWarrior]

Quote:
Dang. Now I have to figure this out. What a snotty bird!

 

[Mahonri]

It happens and when they TEACH the others, you almost have to start over.

I have golf balls in every nest box now.

 

[SkyWarrior]

I have a golf ball in the nest already. I may have to put more in. SIGH.

 

[Zonoma]

Does this happen often? Chickens that eat eggs?!

 

[gryeyes]

I'd also up their protein for a few days. Some dry cat food, or some canned sardines as treats.

 

[SkyWarrior]

Quote:
Okay, I have them on 20% protein chicken food, but I'll dig through the leftovers and get them some more protein.

I don't think this is a rat because this is happening in just one pen. The other chickens are producing eggs okay and I haven't had signs of egg eating in any of the others.

 

[Dialynn]

I have this problem, too, and can't figure out which one is my culprit. I have two hens and two young roosters isolated now and still had gunk on my eggs today. i've been watching to see if any have dried egg on their heads or beaks and none do. This just started this spring. Have given them oyster shells.They are on a layer pellet feed, I can't remember the % right now. I can't sit with them all day to see who is doing it! What else can I do?