Eggs missing...

[kaumlauf]

The other day there were 3 eggs in a clutch in the grass in my hen pen. There are 3 young hens, and 3 old hens. The eggs were there one day, and completely gone the next. (no shell bits or yolk drippings) The fencing around their grassy pasture is 2x4" wire, re-inforced with 3 electric strands. There is 1 foot high chicken wire around the entire base. The chickens are fine- no harrassment of injuries. Snake? Rat? Crow? We have all sorts of wildlif around, and I hear foxes barking at night often, and of course tons of coons. possums and skunks. Flying raccoons?

 

[wvchics]

With no shell pieces I would guess snake. They swallow the eggs whole and it's probably not big enough to try for the chickens. I would think anything else you mentioned would have made a bigger mess.

 

[SueT]

Why are you leaving eggs outside, do you have nest boxes? A secure coop? Are you not collecting eggs because you have a broody? Is the pen open to the top? If so something likely climbed over. If not then something small squeezed in...
Good luck figuring it out...

 

[RowanTheRed]

X2 on the snake

 

[wvchics]

Some people use bird netting around their runs. The snakes usually get tangled in it stopping them before they get to the chickens and their eggs. Hope this helps

 

[kaumlauf]

With no shell pieces I would guess snake. They swallow the eggs whole and it's probably not big enough to try for the chickens. I would think anything else you mentioned would have made a bigger mess.

Thanks! I did see a crow carrying a whole egg the other day. These eggs are a little small- the hens are young.

 

[kaumlauf]

Why are you leaving eggs outside, do you have nest boxes? A secure coop? Are you not collecting eggs because you have a broody? Is the pen open to the top? If so something likely climbed over. If not then something small squeezed in...
Good luck figuring it out...

The youngs are figuring out where to lay. They have "nest barrels" with pine chips, but don't use them. They are free range, in a pen that has 3 strands of electricity. But I did find a skunk in there. The wire fencing is 2x4, large enough for a skunk, I think. It mangaed to get in without getting shocked.

 

[wvchics]

Awe that stinks. Pardon the pun lol. I never would have guessed another bird I would have thought they would just eat it there. I guess not. Hopefully they'll figure a better place to lay soon.

 

[Leighe]

The youngs are figuring out where to lay. They have "nest barrels" with pine chips, but don't use them. They are free range, in a pen that has 3 strands of electricity. But I did find a skunk in there. The wire fencing is 2x4, large enough for a skunk, I think. It mangaed to get in without getting shocked.

Goodness...after a skunk, crow and maybe a snake, I think I'd revisit predator proofing my coop/run, unless you have the run open during the day while they free range. Or at least carry a .22 with you when you go to the coop/run.

 

[B Redhawk]

using fake eggs in your nest boxes will help them figure out where you want them to lay their eggs.