Two issues I need help with.

[Joken]

We have been finding an egg now and then that looks as if a hen has pecked holes in it. Today makes two consecutive days. Is this hens work? Whatever is doing it is not consuming the contents. Next, it appears that one of our hens is suffering some sexual abuse. I have to assume that's what's going on and I don't know how to deal with this. We are newbies and raised these Orpingtons from chicks. Unfortunately, five hens all look identical sans Rooster abuse. Thanks, Ken in Oregon

 

[azygous]

For both issues, if you haven't yet, you need to set up surveillance. If not with a remote camera, then hang out in the run for a period during laying in the morning and watch the flock interactions during loafing time in the afternoon.

I've seen a rooster hovering over a hen laying an egg in a nest, and then giving the egg a curious peck as she finishes laying. Or she might give the egg a cursory peck, accidentally making a peck hole. Or if you don't collect eggs soon after they're laid, mice, rats, wild birds or other chickens can start pecking away at the eggs.

"Sexual abuse" isn't really a term applicable to chickens. There is rooster damage during mating that ruins back and wing feathers. Limiting the amount of time each day that a rooster is given access to the hens can help prevent it. There is no law that demands roosters have unlimited access to hens. You are the flock manager. You can control access by keeping the roosters separate from the hens except for brief periods to fertilize eggs or to let the roosters watch over free ranging hens.