Not Exactly "Eating" the Egg

[Amecameca]

One of my two four-year old hens has all of a sudden decided to take one big peck out of her egg just after she lays it. She makes a hole in the shell, but then she leaves the coop. She doesn't appear to be really eating it. This has been going on now for several days.

I had three hens. One was taken away in the night by a raccoon (I believe), another has a problem with broodyness, now my third one, who was a pretty steady layer, is doing this! Makes me want to give up on chickens.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Being 4 years old, and this time of year when hens are getting burned out it's possible she is craving some extra protein or calcium. If you are feeding a layer ration it can help to switch to a higher protein one like All Flock. Make sure they always have oyster shells available free choice. You can also add in some higher protein snacks like cottage cheese, canned fish, and even scrambled eggs to give her a boost.