Egg Eaters - Filling Blown Eggs?

[HappyFeetHens]

I’m having problems with some of my RIRs (I have 4) eating just about every egg they lay. My leghorn, who’s younger, doesn’t seem interested in it yet, but I’ve seen my RIRs eat the others’ eggs as soon as they’re laid, or if one falls or cracks accidentally, they swoop right in to eat it all.

I’ve heard of filling blown eggs with mustard, but I’ve seen some people say their chickens actually ate all of the mustard. I also read about some spices and am considering mixing those in with the mustard... has anyone else tried that?

Lastly, I’m concerned maybe the issue is nutrition. Since my leghorn isn’t eating them, I’m wondering if the others are not as nourished as she is, as they’re a lot bigger.

Any suggestions would be helpful! However, I won’t be rehoming or culling, not to mention the fact that I’m not sure how many culprits there are right now.

 

[AlleysChicks]

Feed a higher protein feed and try a rollaway nestbox.

 

[Newchickymama37]

Do they eat the entire egg or just poke a whole and eat the inside? I have 3 hens separated with a rooster and haven’t picked up an egg from them in 4 days now!

 

[HappyFeetHens]

They used to eat the whole egg, and I think they still do with some, but I have found some where they’ve only eaten the inside. And for higher protein, would starter/grower feed work? They used to take it from my younger chick when they could get to it.

 

[AlleysChicks]

They used to eat the whole egg, and I think they still do with some, but I have found some where they’ve only eaten the inside. And for higher protein, would starter/grower feed work? They used to take it from my younger chick when they could get to it.

what’s the protein %? I was feeding a 24% after I caught a couple egg eaters. I notice it more when they molt

 

[Beer can]

In my experience just upping their protein a little usually cures it. Might not work for all. Some use mustard eggs with good success, some people just cull the offender.
I was told on here it's usually lack of protein that causes it, and ever since if I see eggs that have been ate, I just add some protein for awhile and no probs.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Species won't work even really spicy ones as they are immune

 

[lazy gardener]

Higher protein is a starting place but not the whole story.

Offer oyster shell on the side even if you are feeding layer.

Check the mill date of your feed. The vitamins and other nutrients oxidize with age. Best if you can use a bag of feed within 6 weeks of mill date.

Give the birds a good multi vit, especially with Vitamin D in addition to their feed.

Don't let them fill up on poor nutrient value snacks or treats. (scratch grain falls into this category.)

Birds are eating eggs b/c their diet is deficient, or the egg shells are not strong enough. Weak shells are due to deficient diet or can be related to the bird's age or her egg cycle starting up or winding down.

 

[HappyFeetHens]

Thank you all! Our current feed is about 18% protein I believe, and I do want to increase it on our next bag and/or use supplements of some kind. We give free choice for the oyster shell, but it seems like the RIRs rarely eat it. Could I mix it with something to encourage them to eat it?

 

[AlleysChicks]

Thank you all! Our current feed is about 18% protein I believe, and I do want to increase it on our next bag and/or use supplements of some kind. We give free choice for the oyster shell, but it seems like the RIRs rarely eat it. Could I mix it with something to encourage them to eat it?

They eat as needed usually. Sometimes I like to add blue and green food dye to it to make it more appealing.