New Flock Causing Problems Please Help!

[Jnita]

I got a flock of chickens from a friend who moved out of state. There are 16 hens and a rooster. Their coop is part of our barn that is approximately 12 x 12. There are six nesting boxes and plenty of roost room. They have access to our pasture during the day.
She had been getting a dozen eggs a day. They first day we had them they we got 11 eggs. Since then we are lucky if we get 8. It's been six weeks so I would think they wouldn't be stressed anymore.
problem 1: My husband caught them eating an egg one of the first days we had them. We've also witnessed it since. We aren't sure who the instigator is or if there are several but they all descend on it and gobble them up. I think one of the buff Orpington's is also eating her own because there has been broken egg in the nesting box. They have access to oyster shells, we've tried golf balls and mustard filled eggs and nothing seems to work! We have roll away nesting boxes but they still manage to get them before they go down. That is when they lay in them. They gobbled up the mustard eggs. Any other ideas? I really don't want to cull them all!
Problem 2: they will not lay in their nesting boxes! The first few days they did but since then they burrow into nests they make in the ground. The ground is hard packed dirt covered with pine shavings. They also will just randomly lay eggs in the middle of the floor. We are getting dirty, dirty eggs. Any solutions or ideas?
Problem 3: we also have 8 week old chicks that I was hoping to integrate into the flock eventually but am afraid they will pick up bad habits. Is that avoidable?
They eat A LOT of feed and we can not keep feeding them if there isn't more eggs soon. It gets expensive. I love their pretty eggs and this is really getting the best of me. I read up on everything I could before we got them and feel like I am fairly knowledgeable but must obviously be missing something...
And I am tired of going out to gather eggs all day long before they get to them...

 

[cavemanrich]

OK. Lets tackle each problem individually'..
1.) egg cannibalism is a hard habit to break. It is equivalent to children knowing that there are Twinkies in the cabinet, but they have to finish their broccoli. Once chickens know that those oval things are easy to break and taste great. well, you have your situation. My solution would be to figure out EXACTLY which ones are GUILTY and have those adopted by a different farmer. Keep the non offenders.
2.) nest boxes need to be comfortable to chickens. They go in there voluntarily . Your chickens are making nests in the ground most likely because it is more comfortable to be in a nest that hugs them, then a flat surface nest box. Only battery hens, lay eggs and the eggs roll down onto a conveyor belt. They have no choice. Your chickens do have a choice, They said " adios silly uncomfortable boxes " we are making our own. My solution would be to line your nesting boxes with hay or straw. ( that is how my are) The chickens will make an indentation nest shape and lay there in comfort.
3,) You can try to integrate your young chickens as soon as you can. provided there will not be much violence. My first action would be to remove the cannibals. Ether re home or separate to other area, away from the flock. Watch the interaction with the new arrivals. Do it initially out in the run or free range. There will be chasing by the current residents to establish the pecking order. UNAVOIDABLE. As long as there are no serious injuries, like bleeding, then let things work themselves out. If you have one that is injured and bleeding, DEFINITELY REMOVE and allow to heal separately. If you have a way to separate the new comers inside the coop for first few nights, that would be ideal introduction method. Chicken wire separator on a wooden frame would be just right. Be creative.


WISHING YOU BEST AND