They ate the mustard!

[chimi]

There's been an egg eating mystery the last couple of weeks. Once every 2-3 days, there will be signs of an egg being eaten. We've tried golf balls, but we have a Buff Orphington who is prone to broodiness - once the balls are inside, she won't leave the nest box. Quite the conundrum.

So, after reading around the forums, we decided to try the mustard approach. It appears we found the culprit (our Naked Neck - Tauntaun - who also happens to be the alpha), based on the mustard stains (see pic below). Alas, it was surprising to see the other birds consume the mustard-egg once alerted. I'll install curtains tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll consider roll out trays.

Regardless, despite the shock to see the hens enjoy the mustard so much, catching Tauntaun yellow-breasted was an amusing moment!

Here is Tauntaun's walk of shame:

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

 

[Willowspirit]

There's been an egg eating mystery the last couple of weeks. Once every 2-3 days, there will be signs of an egg being eaten. We've tried golf balls, but we have a Buff Orphington who is prone to broodiness - once the balls are inside, she won't leave the nest box. Quite the conundrum.

So, after reading around the forums, we decided to try the mustard approach. It appears we found the culprit (our Naked Neck - Tauntaun - who also happens to be the alpha), based on the mustard stains (see pic below). Alas, it was surprising to see the other birds consume the mustard-egg once alerted. I'll install curtains tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll consider roll out trays.

Regardless, despite the shock to see the hens enjoy the mustard so much, catching Tauntaun yellow-breasted was an amusing moment!

Here is Tauntaun's walk of shame:
View attachment 1826596

 

[chickens really]

Try Vaseline in the eggs..I was told it works.

 

[chimi]

Vaseline - interesting! I'll look into that (although I'm not sure I'm skilled enough to fill egg with vaseline ).