HELP !!! Hens eating the egss

[TD2593]

Ive noticed that my egg production was very very low. I have found out why. Ive caught the hens eating the eggs. What is the best solution. I really dont want to cull the entire flock and start over. Will a roll out next box be enough ? Thanks in advance !!!

 

[Ga Chicken Mom]

Welcome to BYC, there are great people here who will have all kinds of suggestions to help with the egg eating. I am able to collect my eggs several times a day so my hens don't have a chance to eat them. I also give them daily of treats such as: greens; oatmeal; barley; chopped up, whole grain breads; cheese and even scrambled eggs when it gets below freezing. Do yours have an extra source of calcium?

 

[joanc]

You can try putting golf balls or wooden eggs in the nests--when they can't peck through those it may help stop them pecking the real eggs.
A roll out box is possibly another solution and if you're able to check for eggs several times a day that may help. Good luck.

 

[hencackle]

This is what an old-timer told me:
Blow out the contents of an egg, fill it back up with yellow mustard and place it back in the nest. Chickens don't like the taste of mustard. Using hot sauce won't work since birds don't have the taste receptors for capsaicin found in hot peppers.

 

[HenHaven]

If it is possible for you to start using roll-away nest boxes, I think you will have the problem fixed!!!

 

[chickbea]

I've always been able to cure egg eaters by:
1. Collecting as often as possible
2. Leaving wooden eggs in the nest. After several sessions of fruitless pecking at the wooden eggs, they get very discouraged!

 

[TD2593]

Thanks for the quick replies. Ive ordered some wooden eggs and am going to build some roll out next boxes. Ive feed them oyster shells in the past but looks like I need to get back to that as well. Im feeding 16% layer ration as of now. Have a great day !!

 

[Cocky]

I haven't had the problem myself, but I have heard the mustard trick works VERY WELL