Modifying nest for egg eater

[LesGan]

I have searched egg eating and would like to try hanging partial curtain in front of nesting boxes and also putting fake eggs in the nest. I have 3 hens, 3 nesting boxes, one hen a new momma hen that just started laying again 3 days ago. My question...if I place fake eggs in the nesting boxes will it trigger the new mom to go broody again? The offending hen is laying very thin shelled eggs and I am working on that nutritionally. Thanks, Leslie

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

sounds like you've researched the problem and have a plan of action!

The fake eggs may make the mom go broody again but it would be better if she had a nice break, a few weeks maybe, to recover. Being broody is hard on a chook and she'll need some time to rest up before diving in all over again. Try offering scrambled or hard boiled eggs to everyone, for a protein boost. This will help the broody rebuild and perhaps the egg eater needs it too.

 

[LesGan]

Thanks. I will try the curtain across the boxes first before going to fake eggs. I know momma hen needs a break; infact I am amazed that she is laying such beautiful eggs again. I would be in a heap in a corner crying after all that work with baby chickie. Will boost protein also.

 

[cybercat]

Make rollout nest boxes if you have an eggeater. That way they can not get to the eggs after it is layed. Good way to prevent broodniess too.