New Layers and Egg Eating

[Juliampowers]

We got a new batch of chicks this spring and they just started to lay (about two weeks ago). Last night one of the eggs had clearly been pecked at and eaten. We have never had this issue with our chicks and I want to get ahead of it early, any tips?

 

[Mamatomany123]

I would probably get a roll away box. Theyll continue to eat them.

 

[CluckerFamily]

At this age, I normally gather the eggs more often. I know some people use mustard, but I don't have experience with this.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Normally (although I have had one or two that did it for no reason and had to be culled) when I have eggs being eaten, it's because there is a nutritional issue and they need more calcium or protein. Or the egg was already damaged

 

[WindingRoad]

We got a new batch of chicks this spring and they just started to lay (about two weeks ago). Last night one of the eggs had clearly been pecked at and eaten. We have never had this issue with our chicks and I want to get ahead of it early, any tips?

Some times the eggs fall too hard and crack. I don't think any hen could resist them.

#1 are you feeding Oyster Shell in a separate dish. I took a plastic cheese box and screwed it into the wooden shelf I have at my feed station. They will eat what they want but I think I have one bird that just does not absorb Ca++. Make sure you are feeding good protein. I feed 18% year round.

#2 I put down artificial turf in my boxes to soften the drop of the egg. I have several birds who like to sit on the eggs. They are not broody per se I think they are protecting them from getting eaten. I read you shouldn't use straw in your coop anywhere. So now I am replacing straw with pine shavings.

#3 I stopped going out so often I find that once their are 2-3 eggs in a box they birds don't bother them

#4 I found curtains seem to help some. My birds all lay in the upper berth. So out of sight out of mind.

#5 You can try the fake ceramic eggs they seem to work for awhile and then the birds figure them out.

#6 Don't let your birds roost at night in the nest boxes. They should only be for one thing, Laying eggs.

Do you find that your birds are starving after they lay. Mine RUN to the feed and gorge after laying. Good luck some of these tips might work some might not. I find my birds go in fits and starts. Might not eat for days and then eat 2-3 days in a row.

 

[aart]

Last night one of the eggs had clearly been pecked at and eaten.

Was it a good hard shelled egg?
Do you have plenty of bedding in the nests?
Pullets often tear up the bedding, revealing hard bottom of nest, causing broken eggs.
They'll stop doing that as they get accustomed to laying..

At this age, I normally gather the eggs more often.

Same here.....and replace gathered eggs with fake eggs.