How do I stop my chicken from eating it's own eggs!!

[Adrianep]

One of 6 in my flock has decided that eating it's own eggs is the way to go. Eww! HOW do I STOP this! and how do I prevent the rest of the flock from getting into it also? I collect eggs multiple times a day to try and prevent this, but I still find a decimated egg mixed in with the bedding. It's been several batches in a row now. Im worried this is going to be a trend. Please help! Thanks for your experienced insights, in advance.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Roll away nest box is a sure to work, you can try putting golf balls or ceramic eggs in it's nest, it may discourage egg eating.
Assuming these are new layers, does it happen every day?
Do they share a nest box or separated?
Are you certain which is eating eggs?
What are you feeding?
It's possible this one needs more protein, you could try feeding scrambled eggs as a treat. Or separate this one from the rest, so the rest don't pick up a bad habit.

 

[Yardmom]

How much calcium do they get? For some hens layer pellets and their own egg shells are not enough. Make sure they have access to oyster shells as well. Often an egg eater is looking for something they are not getting in their diet. Unfortunately some just have a bad habit.

 

[BlueBaby]

I'd find out what one is the egg eater and separate that one. Then if it still happen's, there may be another one too. Either way, you will then know.

 

[Adrianep]

Roll away nest box is a sure to work, you can try putting golf balls or ceramic eggs in it's nest, it may discourage egg eating.
Assuming these are new layers, does it happen every day?
Do they share a nest box or separated?
Are you certain which is eating eggs?
What are you feeding?
It's possible this one needs more protein, you could try feeding scrambled eggs as a treat. Or separate this one from the rest, so the rest don't pick up a bad habit.

Hi. Thanks for your response- to answer your questions.
All six cram into one nest box, even with four available. I'm not sure what your ref to a roll away nest box means...
I have put a round, approximately correct sized stone in there, but this hasn't seemed to thwart her.
They are all 1 year old- and it happens approx every second day- she is a bit of an odd ball. I'm pretty sure its my Cuckoo Maran ( as sold to me- but she has growths on her feet to indicate a breed blend of some sort) - Not like my one other Cuckoo Maran. I'm feeding them a nutritionally balanced organic pellet. I do hand feed her a bit more worms or soldier flies when giving them treats- thought that protein need might be the thing too. i will try the cooked egg. Thank you.

 

[Adrianep]

How much calcium do they get? For some hens layer pellets and their own egg shells are not enough. Make sure they have access to oyster shells as well. Often an egg eater is looking for something they are not getting in their diet. Unfortunately some just have a bad habit.

Thanks for your response. I have a bowl of oyster shell mixed with very tiny baked flecks of thier own shell mixed into it. Hmmmm. She does lay early sometimes- with softy shells - I think this may be very relevant. Thank you.

 

[Adrianep]

I'd find out what one is the egg eater and separate that one. Then if it still happen's, there may be another one too. Either way, you will then know.

great suggestion- I've jumped to conclusions before. Thanks for the methodology

 

[sassychickens76]

This worked for me, blow and egg and fill with a mixture of mustard, vinegar, and a VERY SMALL drop of dish soap. Put it in the fav nest box. Get her attention to come into the coop. She will see the egg, peck the egg, and never do it again. They HATE the taste.

 

[Adrianep]

This worked for me, blow and egg and fill with a mixture of mustard, vinegar, and a VERY SMALL drop of dish soap. Put it in the fav nest box. Get her attention to come into the coop. She will see the egg, peck the egg, and never do it again. They HATE the taste.

Thank you!

 

[Aapomp831]

How much calcium do they get? For some hens layer pellets and their own egg shells are not enough. Make sure they have access to oyster shells as well. Often an egg eater is looking for something they are not getting in their diet. Unfortunately some just have a bad habit.

It’s the protein that they’re after most of the time.