1. Reduce Stress and Overcrowding
~ Too many chickens in a small space causes stress and fighting.
~ Ensure each chicken has at least 1.5 to 2 square feet of space.
2. Feed Them Properly
~ Nutrient deficiency, especially calcium, can lead to egg eating.
~ Provide feed rich in calcium like crushed oyster shells or bone meal.
3. Provide Proper Nesting Boxes
~ Offer dark, quiet, and clean nest boxes with soft bedding.
~ Avoid situations where eggs fall or roll, as broken eggs attract eating.
4. Collect Eggs Frequently
~ Don’t leave eggs in the nest for too long.
~ Collect them multiple times a day.
5. Use Fake Eggs
~ If the habit starts, place fake eggs (rubber or ceramic). Chickens will peck and get nothing, discouraging the behavior.
6. Identify and Isolate the Culprit
~ If you know the chicken doing it, isolate her or place her in a separate cage for some time.
7. Avoid Too Much Light in Nesting Areas
~ Keep nesting areas dim. Too much light encourages egg pecking.
Once chickens start egg eating, it can be hard to stop, but following these tips helps reduce or eliminate the problem.
Calcium deficiency is one of the biggest triggers for egg eating. An average laying hen requires 4–4.5g of calcium per day. Less than this, shells weaken.
Limestone or dicalcium phosphate (best) or crushed shells (oyster/snail/egg) in a separate feeder usually solve that issue fast. And remember to burn the shells and crush
Also ensure vitamin D is adequate, as it helps calcium absorption.
Good management is key — space, nutrition, nest hygiene, and timely egg collection all combine to prevent egg eating.
Calcium deficiency is one of the biggest triggers for egg eating. An average laying hen requires 4–4.5g of calcium per day. Less than this, shells weaken.
Limestone or dicalcium phosphate (best) or crushed shells (oyster/snail/egg) in a separate feeder usually solve that issue fast. And remember to burn the shells and crush
Also ensure vitamin D is adequate, as it helps calcium absorption.
Good management is key — space, nutrition, nest hygiene, and timely egg collection all combine to prevent egg eating.
Adding bone meal to rations not only supplies calcium but also phosphorus, both important for strong eggshells. Weak shells break easily, fueling egg eating
Adding bone meal to rations not only supplies calcium but also phosphorus, both important for strong eggshells. Weak shells break easily, fueling egg eating
Nest boxes should be 12x12x12 inches, dark, and with soft bedding. Chickens feel secure in such environments. Too much light inside nest boxes overstimulates birds. Use curtains on nest entrance or keep nests dim.
Raising the nest box 18–24 inches above ground also help. Provide 1 nest box for every 4-5 hen (e.g. 20 hens = 4-5 nest boxes. 100 hens = 20 - 25 nest boxes. If they over crowd the nest boxes they'll fight and break eggs, or lay on the pen floor and this will encourage egg pecking.
Isolating the culprits for 1 week also works.
Underfeeding increases egg eating. Layers need around 110–120g feed daily with correct nutrients.
