My chickens are eating their eggs..

[FernbergFarms]

Hello!
I have 8 chickens all different breeds and they are 1 1/2 yr/old . They are eating their eggs!! I keep them free ranging a lot of the time. But once one cracks a lot of them run to it right away. There are a couple that don’t but most do. Is there something to give them or put in the coop? I keep it very clean and feed them layer food with extra calcium added. They also peck at my black Australorp so I keep her out all the time. Should I put toys in there or .....?
Thx for the feedback
Alli

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sounds like they need more protein in their diet. I would switch to a higher protein ration, than add some animal protein sources a few times a week like cottage cheese, mealworms, scrambled eggs, or canned fish. Also make sure you have free choice oyster shells.

Eggs that on the ground often get eaten, especially if they are cracked, so keep nests off the ground. Keep ceramic eggs in them so any curious pecking doesn't give them a treat, and collect eggs often. Get roll away nests if you can't collect eggs a few times a day.

 

[FernbergFarms]

Ok. I think we have 16% in their feed. And we do have free oyster shells available. I put some cat food in a tray I read that has protein and could help..? I also put some toys in there for them. Should I use hay in their nesting box instead of shavings?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would switch to a ration with 20% protein for a bit. I personally don't like a daily ration with less than 18% protein. When I fed a layer years ago I saw deficiencies too. I no longer use a layer ration.

 

[Hidrainja4]

Dry cat food if you have some. I also suspect 16% protein is not enough. I try for 20%protein or better. I have installed paint tray rollaway nest boxes. They do help and they keep the eggs cleaner. My culprit got turned into chicken and dumplings that family I gave her to were grateful.

 

[aart]

Cat food is high in salt......try canned mackerel, or other canned fish low in fat and packed in water(not oil), if you feel the need for extra animal protein.

 

[FernbergFarms]

i put cat food in there and hay. how do you make role away nesting boxes?

 

[Hidrainja4]

i put cat food in there and hay. how do you make role away nesting boxes?

 

[Hidrainja4]

Try this link

it is youtube Ta fishman rollaway nest boxes. There are others but his instructions seem very clear. You will need a paint try something like indoor/outdoor carpet and spray adhesive. The carpet (I used cheep carpet mats from the dollar tree is to keep the eggs from breaking when they drop and roll. I have six nesting boxes set up this way and I love them. Except they are backwards from these instructions so I can reach them from the outside. If you are lucky you boxes are already wide enough to fit the paint tray.

 

[FernbergFarms]

Ok cool! I might do that! That’s rlly smart