Do I have an egg eater?

[FeatherstoneFrm]

I currently have two layers that use 1 nest box. Getting 1 egg a day right now. I haven't seen anyone else in the box but I have a you EE that may be getting close to laying (based on pelvic spacing). It's possible that she may be getting in to check things out.
Anyway, about a week ago I had a broken egg in the box. Then again two days ago and yesterday, the broken egg was on the floor a few feet away from the box.
Do you think I have an egg eater or is it possible that the younger pullet is breaking them accidentally?

 

[sourland]

If both hens/pullets are getting into the box at the same time, they may be inadvertently breaking the eggs. I would add more nesting material to the box - increasing the lip of the box to keep it in if necessary. Once started egg eating is a difficult habit to break and can go to the entire flock.

 

[123RedBeard]

Maybe so, maybe no ...

Could be an "accident" ...

On the unbroken ones ... how hard are the shells? If they are thin or weak, could easily be a mistake ... but they soon learn that eggs are yummy!

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

The eggs shells are pretty strong. My nest box is actually an oval party tub with deep sides. They like it better than the others I had before. I am going to add another one since my littles will be starting to lay soon.
I'm not sure how the egg got out of the box unless someone actually laid the egg from the roost. I saw that in another post and thought it possible.

 

[aart]

If you are finding broken eggs(how broken are they?) you probably don't have an egg eater...an egg eater would leave nothing but a wet spot.

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

If you are finding broken eggs(how broken are they?) you probably don't have an egg eater...an egg eater would leave nothing but a wet spot.

I'm finding the broken shells with the wet spot. The one on the ground was broken on the end.

 

[aart]

I'm finding the broken shells with the wet spot. The one on the ground was broken on the end.

Could be curiosity pecks from new layers that turn into lunch....or eggs are broken for another reason and thus fair game for eating. Gathering often, fake eggs and plenty of bedding in nests, good diet can all deter egg eating.