4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Andrew's]

Sounds weird eh? Why would my chooks be doing this

[atsw]

It's not uncommon, and you need to do everything possible to stop the habit early on. If at all possible, remove all eggs the moment they are laid. If that's not an option, there are devices which allow the egg to roll-away once laid, thus stopping the chicken getting at it.

 

Andrew

[Tara.F]

lots do

 

there are many possibilities. Maybe the shell was a little fragile and cracked on laying, maybe they need a little protein, maybe they're just naughty either way, it's a hard habit to break!

 

Mine have not done this for a long while now so I'll give give you some suggestions to tide you over til an expert comes in

 

make sure they have oyster shell to eat.

you can blow an egg and fill it with mustard to give them a nasty surprise.

whenever possible, remove eggs as soon as you can.

[Egluntyne]

Apparently hot weather makes them more likely to do this. Can't remember where I read this now.

 

Plenty of extra water and a darkened nesting box so that they can't see the eggs should help.