Egg Eating Problem

[MotherOfChickens]

If you can’t fix it with extra protein and it’s becoming a habit for her to eat her eggs you can try rollaway nest boxes. I just was having a problem with one of mine and posted just about the same question. And that was suggested to me. I’m working on making them right now they don’t seem too hard to make and I could see where it would be perfect

That is what Im gonna do too! Id love to see yours!

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Layer is typically 16% protein, and that's not enough, in my opinion (maybe for Leghorns). I would seriously switch to something 18% or higher, whether it's a grower or an all flock. Just keep a dish of oyster shell available.

I have my babies on starter/grower, would it hurt my hens to feed them that instead?

Also I keep oyster shell out free choice at all times.

 

[Mosey2003]

I have my babies on starter/grower, would it hurt my hens to feed them that instead?

Also I keep oyster shell out free choice at all times.

It would be an improvement over layer

 

[Birdsong 82]

I will hopefully be done with it by the weekend. Working about 60 hours this week so not a lot of time left. Actually what I’m doing is re-purposing some old cabinets. I’m removing the shelf in the middle to make it a little shorter and drop it at a slant then I can cover the bottom section with hardware cloth and a couple hinges so I can open it. It’s actually going smoother than I thought. I’ll send some pictures when I’m done . And the bottom I am going to get some scrap carpet and load straw in there so they don’t break when they drop. I’m imagining my leg horn staring at that egg ticked off. LOL

 

[Birdsong 82]

And just to let you know they actually make chicken crumble with oyster shell Mixed in. My girls won’t touch oyster shell. I think the pieces are just too big but when it’s mixed in the food it seems to be ground down a lot smaller so they don’t even realize you’re eating it. I’ve heard other people say there’s won’t touch Oystershell either so I just thought I’d mention that

 

[MotherOfChickens]

And just to let you know they actually make chicken crumble with oyster shell Mixed in. My girls won’t touch oyster shell. I think the pieces are just too big but when it’s mixed in the food it seems to be ground down a lot smaller so they don’t even realize you’re eating it. I’ve heard other people say there’s won’t touch Oystershell either so I just thought I’d mention that

My hens love oyster shell. Im thinking it was maybe an accidental crack and then comsumed or lack of protein. So I will start giving them some of what I give my babies, nonmedicated starter/grower feed and see if that helps too

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Layer

Maybe try going with a higher protein feed layer is usually 16%. Nutrena and purina have a flock feed good for all ages (and all poultry). You would provide oyster shell (or crushed egg shell - which my girls prefer and it doesn't make them become egg eaters either).
Nutrena's all flock is 18% protein and Purina's flock raiser is 20%.
Make sure they aren't getting too many treats on the side which cuts into how much feed they eat, which can alter the amount of protein they consume.
Some people also feed cat food or tuna to increase protein.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

GOOD NEWS!!!

She laid her egg today ( in the favorite nesting box ) and she DIDN'T eat it!!!!!