Chickens may eat eggs due to nutritional deficiencies, stress, boredom, or instinctive behavior, prompting them to seek calcium and protein sources.
Finding broken eggs in your coop can be frustrating. Chickens eating their own eggs is a common but preventable problem. Understanding why they do it helps you take the right steps to stop this behavior.
Top Reasons Chickens Eat Their Eggs
Chickens don’t naturally want to eat their eggs. These are the main causes behind this habit:
Nutritional Deficiencies
Lack of protein or calcium drives chickens to eat eggs. A balanced diet prevents this. Layer feed should contain:
- 16-18% protein
- 3.5-4% calcium
Accidental Discovery
A broken egg teaches chickens they’re edible. Soft shells from calcium deficiency break easily. Once they taste raw egg, the habit forms quickly.
Boredom and Stress
Cooped-up chickens peck eggs from curiosity. Enrichment activities reduce this behavior. Try:
- Hanging vegetables
- Dust baths
- Perches at different heights
How to Prevent Egg Eating
Improve Nesting Conditions
Proper nest boxes stop eggs from breaking:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Deep bedding | Cushions eggs |
| Slanted roof | Discourages roosting |
| Private location | Reduces stress |
Provide Proper Nutrition
According to Purina Mills, calcium supplements are crucial. Offer:
- Oyster shell free-choice
- Crushed eggshells (bake first)
- High-quality layer feed
Use Deterrents
These methods break the egg-eating habit:
- Place ceramic eggs in nests
- Fill empty shells with mustard
- Install roll-away nest boxes
When Prevention Fails
Identify the Culprit
Look for chickens with:
- Egg residue on beaks
- Hanging around nests
- Aggressive pecking behavior
Last Resort Options
Persistent egg eaters may need:
- Separate housing
- Rehoming
- Culling (as recommended by University of Minnesota Extension)
Long-Term Solutions
Prevent relapse with these strategies:
Frequent Egg Collection
Collect eggs 2-3 times daily. Fewer eggs mean fewer chances to eat them.
Proper Lighting
14-16 hours of light keeps hens productive without stress. Use timers for consistency.
Reduce Flock Stress
Follow pecking prevention tips to maintain harmony. Overcrowding often leads to egg eating.