Chicken boarders

[Burtie14]

I have a problem with thin eggs/egg eating, and I am wondering if my chickens are far cleverer than I gave them credit for.

 

Only one of our four hens is laying normal eggs. The other three are laying softies - and have been for about 3 months. They're in good health otherwise, and they have lots of access to grit and oyster shell in their diet.

 

The other day I watched the egg-laying procession carefully, and realised that while one hen (Ginger) was laying an egg, another (Betty - it's always Betty) was pecking at her sides and tummy.

 

I'd assumed they were both in the nest box to lay, but it made me wonder whether Betty is actually following the other chickens into the nest box when they go to lay, and harrassing them so that they become a bit stressed and don't lay properly. Then gobbling the egg. I wouldn't put it past her.

 

Betty's own eggs are completely shell-less.

 

They're all about 2 years old, and had all been laying perfectly happily until three months ago. Perhaps coincidentally, this was exactly when Ginger had a bad dose of sour crop and was very poorly for a while. Since then, she and two others haven't laid a single solid egg between them.

 

Shall I try rubber eggs? Is there anything I can do to give the chickens a bit more privacy when they lay? I'm convinced their diet is ok.

 

Thanks!

[Alis girls]

I Feel your pain - i am totally flummoxed as how to deal with egg eater (see my mustard thread) no advice - prob someone more knowledgable will be along

[Sue]

There are some hints and tips

HERE