ARE YOUR CHICKENS EATING THEIR EGGS? HERE’S HOW TO STOP IT.

ARE YOUR CHICKENS EATING THEIR EGGS? HERE’S HOW TO STOP IT.

Egg eating is one of the most frustrating habits in poultry farming. Once it starts, it spreads fast. But the good news? You can prevent it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Here are 7 practical steps every poultry keeper should follow:

1 Reduce Stress and Overcrowding
Too many chickens in a small coop leads to stress and bad behavior. Ensure each bird has at least 1.5 to 2 square feet of space to reduce pecking and egg-eating tendencies.

2 Feed Them Properly
Nutrient deficiencies—especially calcium—are a major trigger. Add crushed oyster shells or bone meal to their diet to strengthen shells and curb cravings.

3 Provide Proper Nesting Boxes
Dark, quiet, and clean nesting boxes with soft bedding reduce the risk of eggs breaking. Broken eggs are like candy to curious hens.

4 Collect Eggs Frequently
Don’t let eggs sit in the nest too long. Collect multiple times a day to avoid giving hens the chance to taste-test their own eggs.

5 Use Fake Eggs
Introduce rubber or ceramic eggs. When pecked, they provide no reward and help break the habit.

6 Identify and Isolate the Culprit
If a particular hen is the troublemaker, isolate her temporarily. This helps break the cycle before others join in.

7 Control Light in Nesting Areas
Keep nesting spots dimly lit. Excessive light encourages pecking and mischief.

Once a chicken develops a taste for eggs, it’s tough to reverse. Prevention is key. These simple steps can save your flock—and your egg supply.