egg eating?

[shangri-lafarms]

How can you tell which hen is eating eggs, I found pieces of eggshell in the nest box this afternoon. i go in several times a day to collect eggs. Thanks

 

[Mahonri]

Spend a day in the coop. LOL

Seriously... that or a coop cam.

 

[shangri-lafarms]

Well then what do you do when you catch them doing it ?

 

[saladin]

Chickens learn by imitation. Your egg eater will teach the others to do the same. Get rid of her as fast as you can.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Oh I just caught a hen doing this the other day in my buff silkie pen, and I was FURIOUS! I would have snapped her head if she weren't one of the best birds. I can't prove its her though just yet. I dont know what I'll do when I find the actual culprit.

 

[Judy]

You might get lucky and catch one with egg on its beak. But if you let it go very long they will learn the behavior from others and all start doing it. It is not an easy habit to break. Some have luck with replacing eggs several times daily with things like golf balls, and the hen gives up when she can't break the golf ball. One good solution is change to rollaway nests, with a slanted floor so the egg rolls out of reach. There are plans on here for them. Some people end up culling the flock. If you do identify one culprit, separate her.

 

[Highlander]

I'm losing 2 eggs a day to an egg eater. When I find the hen that is doing it I will be making soup.

 

[shangri-lafarms]

Quote:
me too

 

[kelliepulido]

well I have one doing it too.I think it was Steve who suggested darkening the coop,or the nesting area,offering higher protien food,osyster shell seperately to make the eggs harder to break.Today and yesterday no eggs ate or broke so I hope maybe we are on to something.I need more golf balls though.

 

[GoldenSilverLaced]

Would painting some sacrificial eggs with a nasty-tasting (but harmless) substance work? Like whatever is used to keep chickens from picking at wounds?