This is why people use the roll-away nest boxes?I've placed golf balls out there, they peck them as well. They also listen for the other hens to sing the egg song, if they beat me to where the egg is they will eat it. The truly safe egg laying sites are the nest on top the hay pile and the porch. They really are making to a point that I have to literally run out and grab the egg the moment it is laid to ensure it is not eaten.