Hi,

 

Just noticed my hen just ate her first egg she is due to lay again today..... Why did she eat it and will she eat all the rest as she lays.....she didn't eat it right away it was layed two days ago!!!

She was very protective over it when I saw the egg at first......

Any sugestions why or how I can prevent it from continuing>>>>

 

Thanks

This generally happens due to first time hens who do not recognize the egg as coming from themselves, or immature hens who just havent attained the maturity level to breed, or they are just plain not in breeding mode. Sometimes its actually the cockbirds that eat the eggs.

I would remove them from breeding and try again in 5-6 months.

Thanks for that!!!

 

They are of breeding age...what will make the cock eat the eggs??? though here I'm quite sure it was the hen that did because she had all over her>>>>>

 

Cheers

Thanks for that!!!

 

They are of breeding age...what will make the cock eat the eggs??? though here I'm quite sure it was the hen that did because she had all over her>>>>>

 

Cheers

Cocks just see them as a food source especially if they are not blessed with many brains.

hehe!

Hi,

 

I posted last week about my hen who ate her eggs.....( who does that)

 

My question is will she always be an egg eater.....don't know if I should put her down to breed again in a few months>> Just wondering if they are repeat offenders of egg eating...

 

Cheers

NOWBUDGIE

No idea... but maybe you could give her a rest for a few months, make sure she gets heaps of calcium in the meantime, and then put her down to breed again. Perhaps if she has more calcium she will feel less inclined to eat her eggs... and if that doesn't work then yes, she may well always eat them.

Usually as stated before its because they are either young and silly or first time parents. it can also be due to stress. I dont believe she will always be an egg eater as most often they are fine at another time. Give her the long holiday as suggested and try again when she is more mature.

Calcium levels is rarely a reason they eat eggs, if at all. Its one of those old wives tales.