Chickens Who Eat Their Own Eggs: And what to do about it

Chickens Who Eat Their Own Eggs: And what to do about it

The horror! You’re heading out to the coop, basket in hand, visions of fluffy omelets dancing in your head, only to find your hens have turned into egg-eating bandits. Why do chickens eat their own eggs, and more importantly, how can you stop it before your flock turns your breakfast dreams into scrambled nightmares? Let’s crack this case wide open (pun very much intended).

Broken egg

Why Do Chickens Eat Their Own Eggs?

Believe it or not, chickens don’t start their day thinking, "You know what sounds good today? A sunny-side-up." Egg-eating is usually a sign that something is off in the coop. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Hens need a balanced diet with plenty of protein and calcium to maintain their health and produce strong eggs. Without proper nutrients, their bodies may signal a deficiency, and they might resort to eating their own eggs to compensate. This behavior is not out of malice but out of instinct, as they seek to replenish missing nutrients.

2. Boredom

Idle beaks are the devil’s workshop. Chickens that don’t have enough mental stimulation might start pecking at eggs out of sheer boredom. Without activities to keep their clever little minds busy, egg pecking can quickly become a destructive habit. 

3. Thin Eggshells

Eggs with weak shells are more likely to crack accidentally, which provides hens an easy opportunity to discover the tasty contents inside. This issue often arises from a lack of calcium or other key nutrients in their diet, leaving their shells fragile and prone to breaking. Once a hen develops a taste for eggs, it can be hard to stop. 

4. Curiosity Gone Awry

Sometimes, a hen pecks at an egg just to see what happens. This innocent curiosity can lead to a bad habit once they discover there’s a snack inside. Chickens are creatures of routine, so once they’ve tasted egg, they’re likely to do it again. 

Chicken looking at eggs

How to Stop Chickens From Eating Their Own Eggs

Don’t worry—you can break this habit faster than a hen can lay her next egg. Here’s what to do:

1. Boost Their Diet

Start with their menu. Make sure your flock is getting plenty of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. Adding crushed oyster shells or a high-quality supplement like Herb Supplement for Backyard Chickens can make a world of difference. Packed with natural ingredients that promote strong eggshells and overall health, it’s like a superfood for your feathered friends. Your hens will thank you with unbroken eggs!

2. Collect Eggs Frequently

The longer those eggs hang out in the nesting box, the more irresistible they become, like leaving a plate of cookies unattended at a party. Make it your mission to swoop in and collect eggs at least twice a day, or even more if you're feeling extra diligent. Trust us, your chickens will appreciate the effort (and so will you, when you avoid cracking down on bad habits).

3. Provide Entertainment

Chickens are smart—yes, really! Bored hens are mischief-makers, so keep them occupied with fun activities. Treat balls, hanging veggies, or a dust bath mixed with CoopShield Diatomaceous Earth and Herbs for Chickens can give them hours of enrichment while keeping pests at bay.

4. Use Fake or Wooden Eggs

Trick your hens by placing fake eggs in their nesting boxes. After pecking at these decoys a few times, they’ll get bored and give up. Bonus points if you use a decoy egg with an eggcellent pun written on it. (Hens can’t read, but you’ll feel clever.)

5. Prevent Thin Eggshells

Weak shells are practically an open invitation for egg-eating. To combat this, make sure your flock is hydrated and healthy. AquaBoost Water Supplement for Backyard Chickens is an easy way to add essential vitamins and minerals to their water, supporting strong eggshells and overall health. Hydrated hens = stronger eggs = happy breakfast time for you.

Chicken with an egg

Check the Nesting Boxes

Sometimes the problem lies not with your chickens but with their environment. Here’s how to make their nesting area egg-stra secure:

  • Add Padding use soft bedding to cushion the eggs and prevent accidental cracking.

  • Darken the Boxes chickens prefer a dim, private space to lay. Darkness also reduces the temptation to peck.

  • Clean Regularly keep boxes tidy to avoid any egg residue, which might attract peckish hens.

And while you’re at it, sprinkle some CoopShield in the boxes. This natural blend of diatomaceous earth and herbs deters pests and keeps the area fresh, making it the perfect home for your hens’ eggs.

Break the Habit

If one hen is the main culprit, she’s likely teaching her flockmates to follow suit. You’ll need to address her behavior quickly:

  • Separate the Offender isolate the troublemaker for a few days to break the cycle.

  • Add a Roll-Away Nest Box these clever boxes allow eggs to roll safely out of reach as soon as they’re laid. Problem solved!

Egg-eating might seem like a tough problem to crack, but with the right strategies, you can nip it in the bud. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, keeping your hens entertained, and making their nesting area more secure, you’ll have those egg thieves back on the straight and narrow in no time.

And remember, every hen deserves the best—so why not treat them to the premium care they deserve with Herb Supplement for Backyard Chickens, CoopShield, and AquaBoost? Trust us, your flock (and your breakfast) will thank you.

Now, go forth and protect those eggs!

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