Newhouse Farm

karen · Mature Oak Joined: 16 May 2006 Posts: 418

One of my chickens i think is trying to eat her eggs,every morning for nearly a week we have had an egg that looks like someone has poked a finger in and shattered the shell all but one has had the membrane intact. i think it may be the Isa Brown. any ideas as to why she is doing it ? she hasnt actually completely destroyed any.

Mutual Aid · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:51 pm Post subject:

Been years since I lived in a place with chickens but let's see if memory serves.

Is she getting enough water? I seem to remember this happening when hens couldn't get to the watering can; had to get a second or third can to ensure all had access.

I also remember my dad putting out fake eggs of some sort to break them of the habit.

karen · Mature Oak Joined: 16 May 2006 Posts: 418

many thanks mutual aid , i will double check the water as we have changed the water feeder.

Billy Rhomboid · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 5:30 pm Post subject:

It may be her way of telling you she is oven-ready.
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suomi · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:35 pm Post subject:

Is she getting enough calcium/ grit? and protein?
we had this problem and it was solved for a short while by upping the protein, however after a couple of weeks it started once again!! we tried isolating her, feeding her on extra fish... and putting in wooden eggs! but she persisted in egg pecking.... so it was the chopping block for her! not nice but has to be done!!
good luck!

Werdnal · Elm Sapling Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 44

I wonder if its typical of the breed. We've had chickens for years, all sorts of breeds, but picked up a couple of ISA's last year for the first time, and one of them has started doing it. I have heard her clucking in the nest box and gone out to find her tucking into an egg that was still warm from laying!

I think she started a few weeks ago when I forgot to pick up the eggs one day and one got broken, which gave her the idea. Ours have plenty of grit, layers pellets and mixed corn and a very large area to roam over. I think its just a habit that once they start its very difficult to break. They do suggest "blowing" an egg and filling with mustard, so they get a shock when they try to eat it. Not sure how successful this will be but might be worth a try.

compostwoman · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:08 pm Post subject:

I have had success stopping a hen from doing this by making sure there were at least 2 rubber eggs in every nest box. It confused the culprit, who stopped doing it.

it does tend to trigger broodyness in susceptible breeds ( Dorkings Marans )

But you can take the rubber eggs away when the bad habit has been broken.

failing this working, then yes I am afraid killing the offender is the only answer.. as she will teach it to the others .and once a hen gets a taste of egg and realises its them who make the egg...they tend to keep on eating their products....

Hens.....who would keep them?
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Environmental Educator, Forest School Leader, Master Composter, Holistic Therapist. Smallholder.