Egg Eating Troubles: Are Roll-Away Nesting Boxes the Solution?

[chicken mama 0908]

Hello fellow chicken keepers!

I have twenty laying hens (planning on adding more soon) and have been experiencing egg eating problems. I have tried collecting eggs hourly and have also tried fake eggs etc. I saw roll away nesting boxes as an idea to break the habit, but I would like to know some pros and cons before I dive in and buy some. Also, I would like to buy premade ones if possible so any links to an affordable option would be appreciated.

Thanks for the help

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I've never done the roll away nesting boxes, but a random thought: How much oyster shells is your flock getting? Whenever I start having a problem, I up the flock's oyster shell amount which usually helps because weak shells are often why they're eating them. Also, ensuring the nesting boxes have plenty of clean shavings helps as well.

 

[chicken mama 0908]

I've never done the roll away nesting boxes, but a random thought: How much oyster shells is your flock getting? Whenever I start having a problem, I up the flock's oyster shell amount which usually helps because weak shells are often why they're eating them. Also, ensuring the nesting boxes have plenty of clean shavings helps as well.

Actually, I haven't given them oyster shells in a while I will have to try that. At this point they are definitely breaking eggs on purpose though.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Actually, I haven't given them oyster shells in a while I will have to try that. At this point they are definitely breaking eggs on purpose though.

Unfortunately they'll develop a habit of doing so. Work on getting them some oyster shells first, then go from there. A lot of people give the oyster shells on the side, but I prefer to mix it in with their feed to ensure they're actually eating them.

 

[FrostRanger]

I would also up the protein in their feed to 18-20% as too little protein can be a cause of egg eating as well

I also wouldn't mix the oyster shell with their feed as you want them to self regulate how much they're getting. If your birds don't like crushed oyster shell, many birds prefer flaked oyster shell

Another idea is to put curtains on your nest box, it makes it so they can't see the eggs and if they can't see them, it's harder for them to peck them

Rollaway nest boxes do work, but it's also important to address any possible nutrition issues. I would check Amazon and chewy if you want to invest in rollaway nest boxes

 

[MapleChick964]

I'm having problems too. Already doing all the normal suggestions but still they're eating away and leaving me with about nothing (I have 14 chickens). Haven't been able to figure out which ones are doing it yet and I really DON'T want to cull them! Been contemplating roll out boxes but I don't have an extra $300-$400 to spend. You can find cheap ones on Amazon or Temu but they look like JUNK. I'd rather custom build one... something simple but I haven't been able to find any easy DIY plans.

 

[azhenhouse]

I took the plunge and bought a roll away nesting box thinking it would be a great investment. They don’t use it. Wait, they do use it. They roost in it.
Are you sure it’s the chickens eating them? We had squirrels eating ours.

 

[L-plate chicken mum]

Have you seen this thread?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-rollout-nest-box-build-pic-heavy.683557/

 

[chicken mama 0908]

I took the plunge and bought a roll away nesting box thinking it would be a great investment. They don’t use it. Wait, they do use it. They roost in it.
Are you sure it’s the chickens eating them? We had squirrels eating ours.

Yes, I have actually caught I few girls in the act

 

[chicken mama 0908]

Have you seen this thread?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-rollout-nest-box-build-pic-heavy.683557/

Hmm I just looked at it. I just don't think I am capable of making my own. I am also trying to keep it cheap, and things tend to add up fast when I try to DIY