Okay for a few days in a row, I saw eggs in my Austorlorps nests, when I went back to gather them, they were gone. My dad thinks that one of the chickens may be eating them. I have recently added four guineas to the coop, they are 11 weeks old, could they be eating the eggs. I have been taking the eggs now as soon as I see them to avoid losing them. Is there anyway to find out if another chicken is eating them, and should I remove the guineas from the coop? PLEASE HELP!!!! I have waited since April for these hens to lay
Well are you sure there is nothing else like snakes coming in eating the eggs? Usually you will see some signs of a mess if the hens are eating them. I know mine left a big mess. My hen kept accidentally stepping on them. Now she is better and no longer does that. Hopefully you don't have something else in there taking them. Try to watch closely to see if you see a snake sneaking in for dinner
I am sure that a snake is a big possibility. The barn that houses the chickens is postioned between a creek and the woods. Of course, if I walk in there and see the snake I will probably die. I haven't seen any sign of cracked egg shells either, so I will watch for the snake. I had heard that guineas will make a terrible racket if the see a snake, maybe they can help with the patrol. Thanks!