Quick Answer: How to Stop Chickens from Eating Eggs

• Collect eggs frequently—2 to 3 times daily.
• Boost nutrition with proper protein and calcium.
• Use calming herbs in nesting boxes.
• Darken nests to reduce curiosity pecking.
• Consider roll-away nests or ceramic eggs.

1. What is Egg Eating?

Egg eating is when hens peck into eggs and consume them. It can start accidentally but quickly become intentional. One hen’s curiosity can spread to the entire flock.

• Begins with a cracked egg or soft shell.
• Can be caused by stress or boredom.
• Often becomes a repeated habit once yolk is tasted.

2. Why Do Chickens Eat Eggs?

Several reasons cause hens to eat eggs:

• Nutritional deficiencies – lack of protein or calcium.
• Accidental discovery – cracked eggs spark curiosity.
• Boredom – nothing else to do in the coop.
• Stress – overcrowding or bullying can increase pecking.
• Thin shells – more prone to breakage and easy access.

3. Is Egg Eating a Habit?

Yes, once a hen develops the behavior, it’s difficult to stop. Others observe and copy, making it flock-wide.

• Habits form quickly when yolk is rewarding.
• Hens teach each other through observation.
• Prevention is easier than breaking the habit later.

4. Signs Your Hens Are Eating Eggs

• Sticky beaks or feathers with yolk residue.
• Eggshell fragments left in nesting boxes.
• Drop in egg collection numbers.
• Hens lingering in nests longer than usual.

5. Prevention Strategies

• Feed quality layer feed with adequate protein.
• Provide free-choice calcium sources (like oyster shell).
• Keep nest boxes dark, private, and comfortable.
• Collect eggs often, especially during peak laying hours.
• Reduce stress by giving hens enough space and perches.

6. How to Break Egg Eating Habit

• Install roll-away nesting boxes to remove eggs from sight.
• Place wooden or ceramic eggs to frustrate peckers.
• Isolate problem hens temporarily to stop flock imitation.
• Remove broken eggs immediately to reduce exposure.

7. Improve Nutrition With Herbs

Herbs can improve digestion, reduce stress, and discourage egg pecking:

• Chamomile – calming, reduces anxiety.
• Peppermint – supports digestion and freshens the coop.
• Marigold – boosts immunity and brightens yolks.
• Lavender – calming scent to relax hens.

8. Provide Enrichment

• Hang cabbage or lettuce for pecking fun.
• Scatter scratch grains to encourage foraging.
• Provide dust baths with herbs or DE.
• Add perches and toys to reduce boredom.

9. Improve Nesting Box Setup

• Use plenty of clean, soft bedding like straw or shavings.
• Add calming herbs like lavender or chamomile.
• Provide 1 nesting box per 3–4 hens.
• Ensure nests are placed in quiet, dim areas of the coop.

10. Collect Eggs Frequently

• Check nests at least 2–3 times daily.
• Early morning and mid-afternoon are best times.
• More frequent collection during peak laying seasons.

12. Final Thoughts

Egg eating can be frustrating, but it’s solvable. By focusing on nutrition, herbs, nest care, and enrichment, you can prevent and correct this behavior. Consistency is key, and the sooner you act, the easier it is to save your eggs.