Why Are My Chickens Eating Their Own Eggs?

It can be very frustrating to find out that you have a chicken eating eggs inside of your coop. Here are a few possible reasons your chickens could be feasting on those delicious farm fresh eggs instead of you and your family. It is important to take action immediately to prevent this from becoming a habit.

• Being Overcrowded: Sometimes it is by accident that an egg breaks when the coop is overcrowded. Being overcrowded also adds stress to the flock.
• Nutritional Needs: Chickens will seek out additional protein or calcium if their diet is lacking. Thin shells from a lack of calcium will also increase the risk of an accidental break that will result in opportunistic consumption. 

Tips for Prevention

• Use golf balls or wooden eggs in the nesting box 
• Offer oyster shell free choice to supplement calcium
• Reduce the lighting around the nesting box
• Keep nesting boxes out of the main traffic areas
• Collect eggs often, at least 2-3 times a day
• Purchase or make roll-away nesting boxes so eggs are out of sight and unreachable