Sudden egg eaters?

[Mr Beaks]

Hello,
About 3 months ago my 1yo. EE began her 1st molt. Around the same time we started noticing broken eggs in their box. Fast forward to date and her molt is complete, she looks beautiful and shiny BUT I noticed she AND our RIR (who hasn't molted yet) are both eating an egg a day EACH! I caught them today. So, why are they eating their eggs? Can giving them scrambled egg once in a while encourage this behavior? They are on Purina Layena and I give them crickets & live meal worms to try & supplement protein as we just moved and free range is not possible at our new abode. We've tried but sadly, lost one to our neighbors dog. What am I doing wrong and how can I correct it? These are our 1st chickens ever and I am at a loss. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Criticism? Bring it on! This is how we learn. Thank you in advance as my husband thinks culling is our only option. But, for me, these are my pets and I don't really give a cluck if they give me eggs or not.

 

[gillisjordan]

Culling or Re home is typically the only option. Once they get a taste of the eggs they won't usually stop. Scrambled eggs wouldn't make them start eating their owns eggs because its not similar enough for them to make a connection between the two, cooked eggs are fine. We have had the same issue but we had to re home the particular hen. Once the egg is cracked open the other hens will eat it as well but its important to nip it in the butt as quick as possible because the other ones could start breaking eggs too. You could make some rolling nest boxes so the hens can't get at the eggs but sometimes they like to lay their eggs on the floor ahaha

 

[Mr Beaks]

Thanks for the advise, gillisjordan. It is very much appreciated! I will definitely give the rolling nesting boxes a try. I WAS attempting to allow them to acquire a clutch but at this rate it's not going to happen. I did buy some faux eggs recently to exchange for the real deal as they freak out when their eggs go missing but I like your suggestion better. Thank you!

 

[junebuggena]

Try switching them to a feed with a higher protein content, like a flock raiser type feed. Be sure to supplement with oyster shells for calcium. Feeding them scrambled eggs will not cause them to eat their own raw eggs. A lack of protein can cause them to eat the eggs. Lots of calcium will help strengthen the eggs shells and make it harder for the hens to break them open.

 

[Mr Beaks]

Try switching them to a feed with a higher protein content, like a flock raiser type feed. Be sure to supplement with oyster shells for calcium. Feeding them scrambled eggs will not cause them to eat their own raw eggs. A lack of protein can cause them to eat the eggs. Lots of calcium will help strengthen the eggs shells and make it harder for the hens to break them open.

Thank you for your reply! I will switch their feed as recommended although the folks at the feed supply suggested the Layena. We do give them lots of crickets and meal worms and offer free choice oyster shell which I do see them eat. Should I stop with the bugs and strictly use the flock raiser feed? Also, what percentage of protein do they need their feed to be? Sorry, this is all new to me.

 

[junebuggena]

The Layena is a good feed for actively laying hens. But it should not be fed to birds not actively laying. It has all the calcium that birds producing eggshells need, but that high level of calcium is not good for a molting hen that is not laying. Molting birds put their energy into growing feathers, which are mostly protein. Layena is only 16% protein, which in my opinion, is a bit too low. A flock raiser type feed is usually 18% to 20% protein. Really active hens need more protein. Another reason they might be protein deficient is that they tend to eat less in warmer weather, and as a result aren't getting enough.

 

[Mr Beaks]

The Layena is a good feed for actively laying hens. But it should not be fed to birds not actively laying. It has all the calcium that birds producing eggshells need, but that high level of calcium is not good for a molting hen that is not laying. Molting birds put their energy into growing feathers, which are mostly protein. Layena is only 16% protein, which in my opinion, is a bit too low. A flock raiser type feed is usually 18% to 20% protein. Really active hens need more protein. Another reason they might be protein deficient is that they tend to eat less in warmer weather, and as a result aren't getting enough.

It must be the heat as we are here in sunny California. Both hens are actively laying and the one that molten is fully feathered. I don't see any pin feathers on her and she's soft, shiny and full. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post, it is greatly appreciated!