Why are my hens eating their own eggs?

[SHeld]

I just now figured out that the reason my hens are not laying is now I’m finding shells near the main nests that the three like to lay in. One hen is sitting there most of the time.

 

[featheredplanets]

What are you feeding them? What do the shells look like? They could be laying soft eggs and those usually split or break with a claw. Does the hen look like she's straining to lay or could she be broody?

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

What are you feeding them? What do the shells look like? They could be laying soft eggs and those usually split or break with a claw. Does the hen look like she's straining to lay or could she be broody?

X2

 

[SHeld]

I have not changed feed, they are over 1 1/2 years old. Their shells are very strong. I have noticed several pecks in the shells also. She is definitely broody.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

I have not changed feed, they are over 1 1/2 years old. Their shells are very strong. I have noticed several pecks in the shells also. She is definitely broody.

They might’ve just picked up the habit. I personally think fake eggs or hollowed out eggs with mustard work the best to deter egg eating.

 

[SHeld]

I have not changed feed, they are over 1 1/2 years old. Their shells are very strong. I have noticed several pecks in the shells also. She is definitely broody.
[/QUOTE
I call her Grumpy as she is always the grouchy one, usually the leader of the pack.

 

[SHeld]

I will try fake eggs first or even the mustard. Thanks for that suggestion.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Curtains over the nest boxes work well.

 

[SHeld]

Curtains over the nest boxes work well.

You mean like hanging from above? Will they still enter the boxes?

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Yes, I covered my nest boxes 3/4 of the way and I parted the curtains for a week or two. I put fake wooden eggs in the boxes.