Will Molting Hens Eat Their Eggs?

[MrsAuberry00]

My girls are molting and in addition, we've noticed a few broken eggs in the coop AND rolled down into the run. They are also on an egg withdrawal and we've been tossing eggs over a nearby ravine, (but some don't make it and break on the edge,) and the girls can be found eating the shells when we let them out to range. SO, are they eating the eggs for the additional protein and the shells for calcium?

I've provided them with oyster shells in a separate container in addition to a seed/mealworm suet type treat to boost protein. Good or bad? Thanks in advance.

 

[Mosey2003]

A chicken will eat any broken egg it sees, always. A chicken getting all it needs from feed and housing typically won't break a whole egg in order to eat it. If they are actually breaking them, they sure could be looking for more protein because they're molting. Mealworms help, but I like to feed a higher protein feed period.

 

[MrsAuberry00]

A chicken will eat any broken egg it sees, always. A chicken getting all it needs from feed and housing typically won't break a whole egg in order to eat it. If they are actually breaking them, they sure could be looking for more protein because they're molting. Mealworms help, but I like to feed a higher protein feed period.

Thank you for responding. I don't seem to get the support and response here that I once did.

 

[AlleysChicks]

Molting season requires a higher protein to grow back feathers. I’m getting ready to pick up another bag of game feed.

My birds will eat any open egg they find. I usually toss a egg a day to the dog and they try to beat the dog to the egg.