Why do my chickens lay an egg then eat it?

[304wvcountrygirl]

Hello everyone! I am new to this message board and I am a new chicken owner

.........I had chickens 6 years ago but it's like learning all over again. So, I purchased 1 year old hens today, 10 of them from a vetrinarian. The breed is a proprietary breed from ? (cant remember) bred to be a large production egg layer. Cross between Rhode Island Red and Leghorn.
I got then home and released them into their new home which they love. One chicken layed and egg and before I could get to it, they ate it. Then this happened again. Any ideas why or just a fluke? Thank you

 

[shelleyd2008]

Most likely they are missing something in their diets, though they sometimes 'learn' to eat them. You can try increasing their protein and calcium and using 'dummy' ceramic eggs to try to retrain them. Or you could get roll-away nests and not worry about it.

I had some bantam cochins that did that when they were in a too-small pen. Once I moved them to a bigger pen they were fine.

Since you just got them I would try switching up their feed with some good-quality egg layer ration. I would also offer something additionally like poultry conditioner or calf manna to increase their protein.

Did they lay the eggs in the nest or on the ground?

 

[304wvcountrygirl]

Thank you for that info...that was a quick reply. I will try that. They ate 2....then laid a third egg and almost got that one to, but I beat them to it

......Thanks again