Eggs getting pecked in nest

[Bob and 5 chicks]

Almost every day for the past three weeks we find an egg that has been pecked open, in some cases eaten. We have three easter eggers and four RIRs and the pecking seems split between blue/green eggs and brown. Anybody have a clue how to stop this?

 

[LastChanceChickenDance]

I have the same problem. Whoever is doing it isn't eating the eggs, just pecking them open.

We tried putting the fake ceramic eggs in the nest so when "she" pecked them "she" wouldn't like the feel, but it didn't do the trick. "She" pecks the real eggs. (We're assuming it's one of the hens and not the rooster.)

 

[sourland]

If possible, hang a cloth over the front of the nest box to partially darken it. With reduced visibility they may stop pecking at the eggs. Once started it is a difficult if not impossible habit to cure.

 

[jomoncon]

On a couple of occasions, I've noticed a "peck" in a egg in the nest. Then I realized that this only happens when I've left all the eggs in the nest for the entire day. Mine have only been pecks, barely through to the egg inside. Those I cook & feed back to the chickies or the dogs.

 

[LastChanceChickenDance]

I think we've solved our broken egg problem. We've seen scrub jays flying into the chicken house through the chicken door to eat the food. My husband caught one inside 4 days ago and dispatched it. We haven't had a broken egg since!