My toddlers are just getting into egg laying. Today I got 4 eggs for the first time out of 14 girls. But this is the second time I have found an egg that has been pecked. (Hole in the end) I kept oyster shells available at all times. What is going on? I watched some weird thing the other day, which may have something to do with it. A buff was in the box, trying to get comfortable. Well, a banty rooster got in the adjoining box and started the night song. @ 2 pm. He put his head around the box and stared at her while he sang. She kept walking in circles, picking up grass for a nest. But finally she got ticked off and left.
If they keep pecking at eggs throw a couple of golf balls in the nests. they peck those a couple of times and they'll get the hint.
It'll happen occassionally. We've got 50 laying hens, and once or twice a week we get one that's been pecked. Not much to do about it unless they actually start eating them. -Frank
