egg eating

[JSWEET]

I have recently acquired 4 hens that i am baby sitting for someone. These were rescue hens and were not laying when they got here, however after living at the ritz for awhile they have begun to lay. I have noticed if i don't find and pull eggs right away they eat them. my home flock is 13 hens strong and are kept seperate and i have never had them eat there eggs. Any thoughts??

 

[Chickens4Life101]

You can always try inserting a roll away nest box. Once the egg is laid, it rolls down, out of your hen's reach. I have never tried one myself, but you could always give it a shot. Also, make sure that you are giving them enough normal food.

 

[adstowe]

Could it be a nutritional thing? You said they were rescues. Maybe they are lacking in calcium or protein and are finding it where they can. Not saying YOU aren't feeding them appropriately, but if they were already deficient and they are now having to supply the nutrients for egg production. Just a thought. Maybe try some 20-24% finisher with oyster shell on the side.

 

[aart]

Could have been habit they brought with them.
Are the shells thin?
How old and what breed are they?

Oh, and Welcome to BYC @JSWEET !
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[JSWEET]

Dont know age, expect around 11/2 years old, they are star brights and are located in maine

 

[aart]

Dont know age, expect around 11/2 years old, they are star brights and are located in maine

Was there any shells left.....were the shells thin and thus easily broken by being stepped on?

 

[WindingRoad]

Dont know age, expect around 11/2 years old, they are star brights and are located in maine

Yes it can take awhile on a higher protein % for feed to kick in. Eggs are mostly protein. Protein in protein out. If they have enough protein they might not feel the need to eat eggs. I used to live in Biddeford and OOB. I live in New Portland. Good luck. Thanks for taking care to them. Any "chance" you might "have" to keep them as in the owners don't come back and get them?

 

[RoosterML]

I would add some ceramic eggs to the nest. They will peck those and realize they get nothing. You will have to be on top of collecting your eggs also.

 

[TCFarm]

The only time I have had this was introduction of new gals from another part of my farm and my older gals set them straight that time. When I was away this winter for 10 days; my farm sitters said it happened a few times. I would imagine it was related to frozen eggs leaking and seeming delicious; which brings it back to collection more often as RoosterML suggested above.