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STEPS TO HELP PREVENT CHICKENS FROM EATING THEIR EGGS
#1
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.


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#2
Thanks for sharing
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#3
How much space for 100 birds?
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#4
Thanks for sharing
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#5
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.
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#6
(11-17-2014, 07:29 PM)Manihot Wrote: To help in planning feed storage, how much will a goat eat per day?
Trimming the beak tip slightly also help. Also conserve feed by preventinv wastage.
Food for the Nation.
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#7
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.
Reply
#8
(11-17-2014, 07:29 PM)Manihot Wrote: To help in planning feed storage, how much will a goat eat per day?
Trimming the beak tip slightly also help. Also conserve feed by preventinv wastage.
Food for the Nation.
Reply
#9
On lighting. Layers prefer a dim nesting area; too much light stresses them and encourages picking behavior.
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#10
On lighting. Layers prefer a dim nesting area; too much light stresses them and encourages picking behavior.
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#11
Adding bone meal to rations not only supplies calcium but also phosphorus, both important for strong eggshells. Weak shells break easily, fueling egg eating
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#12
Adding bone meal to rations not only supplies calcium but also phosphorus, both important for strong eggshells. Weak shells break easily, fueling egg eating
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#13
You miss overcrowding. Each bird should have at least 1.5–2 sq ft. Less than that increases stress hormones, leading to aggression and pecking.
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#14
You miss overcrowding. Each bird should have at least 1.5–2 sq ft. Less than that increases stress hormones, leading to aggression and pecking.
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#15
Providing calcium grit on separate feederd helps. Hens usually self-regulate and eat it when they need.
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#16
Providing calcium grit on separate feederd helps. Hens usually self-regulate and eat it when they need.
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#17
Bone meal not only strengthens eggshells but balances phosphorus levels. Without phosphorus, calcium alone won’t work well.
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#18
Bone meal not only strengthens eggshells but balances phosphorus levels. Without phosphorus, calcium alone won’t work well.
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#19
Thanks for your inputs. To add more:

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.
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