Hen pecked or just broken??

[Grannys Backyard Chicks]

 

[Grannys Backyard Chicks]

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Help. I found this egg outside of the boxes this morning. Does it look pecked or broken? Should I be concerned? They have only been laying a few weeks.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

looks pecked, but it could be from falling. where did you get it?

edit: outside the box? my grandma has a hen who shoves her eggs out of the nest box, basically a "if we can't eat them, neither can the farmer!"

 

[Grannys Backyard Chicks]

On the coop floor in the corner.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

looks pecked, but it could be from falling. where did you get it?

edit: outside the box? my grandma has a hen who shoves her eggs out of the nest box, basically a "if we can't eat them, neither can the farmer!"

note this hen is a white leghorn.

 

[Grannys Backyard Chicks]

Yes. Outside the box. They have been laying in boxes without problems. We had an armadilo all around the pen last night. Maybe that got her upset?

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

an armadillo

really? what state are y'all in?

 

[Grannys Backyard Chicks]

really? what state are y'all in?

Florida

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Florida

cool. I'm from ohio!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

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Regardless.. they didn't get the reward.

Most beginning egg eaters are happy accidents but often do not turn into habitual offenses.. as it's not in their nature.. which is to pass their genetics to the next generation.

Looks more like a peck than the usual toenail holes I've seen. Doesn't make my statement true. Sounds like the fall could be a factor.

Shoving other eggs out of the box is *possibly* to maximize the potential of passing on their own genetics. Possibly just because she's a more active bird and a little aloof, etc, etc, I wouldn't read to much into it though. Nesting material may influence behavior some (hay, shavings, or pad). The lip of the nest box *might* could use adjustment.

Are there fake eggs in the nests also?

Little observation.. looks like the whole is on one end.. eggs don't usually stand upright (though it is possible) and a peck would likely come from the top.

My assessment is possible curiosity peck or accidental breakage.. but not intentional.. which I know wasn't your actual question but hopefully useful anyways.

Gorgeous egg! (it's still dark and early here)