If you raise chickens, you know how frustrating it can be to find your hens pecking at and eating their own eggs. It’s a common problem that can quickly turn your fresh egg supply into a disappearing act. But why do chickens do this, and more importantly, how can you stop chickens from eating their own eggs? Let’s crack this mystery with practical, easy-to-follow solutions that will keep your flock healthy and your eggs safe.
Why Do Chickens Eat Their Own Eggs?
Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is the first step to stopping it. Chickens don’t eat their eggs out of spite; usually, there’s a cause behind it:
– Nutritional Deficiencies: Hens lacking enough protein or calcium may eat eggs to replenish these nutrients. Weak eggshells caused by calcium deficiency can crack easily, tempting hens to peck inside.
– Boredom: Chickens are intelligent and curious. Without enough mental stimulation or space to roam, they may start pecking eggs just to keep busy.
– Curiosity and Habit: Sometimes a hen pecks an egg out of curiosity and discovers the tasty yolk inside. This can quickly become a learned behavior that spreads throughout the flock.
– Accidental Breakage: Broken eggs in the nest can trigger egg eating. Once one hen starts, others may imitate her, making it a flock-wide issue.
How to Stop Chickens From Eating Their Own Eggs
Here are proven, practical strategies to prevent and stop this frustrating habit:
1. Provide a Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet
Make sure your hens get plenty of calcium and protein. Add supplements like crushed oyster shells or eggshells (dry and crushed) to their feed. This strengthens eggshells and reduces the temptation to eat eggs. Also, avoid overfeeding scratch grains, which dilute nutrition. Feeding supplements in moderation, especially in the afternoon, helps maintain balanced nutrition.
2. Collect Eggs Frequently
Don’t let eggs sit in the nest too long. Collect eggs at least twice a day to reduce the chance of breakage and temptation. The fresher the eggs are removed, the less opportunity hens have to peck at them.
3. Provide Adequate Nesting Boxes and Proper Nest Setup
Ensure there is at least one nest box for every 4-5 hens, located off the ground (at least 2 feet high) and away from roosts. Keep nesting material clean, dry, and about 2 inches deep to cushion eggs and prevent breakage. Avoid overcrowding nests and remove broody hens that reduce available nesting space.
4. Keep Nesting Boxes Dim and Private
Chickens prefer darker, quieter places to lay eggs. Cover nest box entrances with curtains or place fake eggs inside to discourage pecking. Dim lighting reduces nervousness and picking behaviors.
5. Enrich Your Chickens’ Environment
Combat boredom by providing activities like treat balls, hanging vegetables, dust baths, or safe toys. A stimulated chicken is less likely to develop destructive habits like egg eating.
6. Identify and Isolate Egg Eaters
Look for hens with dried yolk on their beaks or heads-they are likely the culprits. If possible, isolate or remove these hens to prevent the behavior from spreading. Egg eating is contagious among chickens.
7. Use Deterrents and Training Techniques
Some backyard chicken keepers have success feeding hens a mixture of broken eggs with ground black pepper, which tastes unpleasant and discourages egg eating. Others suggest feeding liquid milk for a few days as a distraction.
8. Consider Beak Trimming as a Last Resort
If egg eating persists and other methods fail, beak trimming can make it harder for hens to break eggs. This procedure should only be done by trained professionals, as improper trimming can harm the birds and affect their feeding and laying.
9. Give Your Chickens More Space
Providing a larger run and more room to explore can reduce boredom and stress, which are often triggers for egg eating. More space means less competition and fewer accidents with eggs.
Summary
Stopping chickens from eating their own eggs involves a combination of good nutrition, proper coop management, environmental enrichment, and attentive care. By understanding why hens eat eggs and applying these practical tips, you can protect your eggs and keep your flock happy and healthy.
Egg eating is a frustrating but manageable problem. With patience and the right approach, you can enjoy fresh eggs without the drama of disappearing yolks.