Mother hen with 3 month old chicks is eating the other hens eggs.

[Thanson]

The mother hen is bossing the other hens and even the rooster gives her space. The mom and hens get priority from the other hens when I give them treats like apples, or romaine lettuce heads. I have several feeding areas, but am wondering if I need to create a larger run. I live in an area where there are bobcats, coyotes, and predator birds, so I can't safely let them free range. I have a total of 10 chickens including the chicks. The current run is 8'w X 30'L X 10'H with an attached 8X8 coop. The mom and 3 chicks are always together and I am almost certain the mom takes them into the coop to eat the other hens eggs. Any suggestions?

 

[Mrs. K]

What does your nest and coop look like, can you post pictures. There are some roll away nests that might work. A slanted floor and the egg rolls out of chicken's reach and is out of sight.

 

[Thanson]

What does your nest and coop look like, can you post pictures. There are some roll away nests that might work. A slanted floor and the egg rolls out of chicken's reach and is out of sight.

That would be an excellent solution. Right now the eggs are fully accessible to the Mom.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

What % protein are you feeding them? Has she started her broody hen molt? Broody’s always require extra protein to recover from brooding and the post broody molt they go through.

 

[Thanson]

What % protein are you feeding them? Has she started her broody hen molt? Broody’s always require extra protein to recover from brooding and the post broody molt they go through.

I did not know that. That would explain her behavior. I'll try more protein. Thank you!

 

[Thanson]

What % protein are you feeding them? Has she started her broody hen molt? Broody’s always require extra protein to recover from brooding and the post broody molt they go through.

Yesterday I went to the feed store and the person helping me said she's had other chicken owners who have had the same experience and more protein in the diet solved the problem.

 

[nuthatched]

Get some chick feed or all flock feed for everyone