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Chickens eating their own eggs is a common problem among chicken keepers, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we'll discuss why chickens eat their own eggs and what can be done to prevent it.
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Lack of calcium: Chickens need a diet that is high in calcium to produce strong eggshells. If a hen's diet is lacking in calcium, she may eat her own eggs to try to make up for the deficiency.
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Stress: Stress can also cause chickens to eat their own eggs. Chickens that are stressed may become aggressive and start breaking and eating eggs.
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Nesting habits: Chickens that are not provided with adequate nesting spaces may start breaking and eating eggs. Chickens need a place to lay their eggs that is clean, quiet, and protected from other chickens.
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Dominance: Chickens establish a pecking order among themselves, and dominant chickens may break and eat eggs laid by subordinate chickens.
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Curiosity: Chickens are curious animals, and they may start breaking and eating eggs out of curiosity or boredom.
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Boredom: Chickens that don't have enough to do may start breaking and eating eggs for something to do.
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Egg-eating habits: Once a chicken starts eating eggs, it can become a habit and difficult to break.
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Collecting eggs regularly: Collecting eggs regularly can help prevent chickens from breaking and eating eggs.
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Provide calcium supplement: Provide a calcium supplement such as crushed eggshells or oyster shell to your chickens can help prevent them from eating their own eggs.
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Add enrichment to their environment: Add things to their environment that will keep chickens entertained and occupied, like a dust bath area, a scratching post, or a swing.
In conclusion, chickens eating their own eggs is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors such as lack of calcium, stress, nesting habits, dominance, curiosity, boredom, egg-eating habits, and not collecting eggs regularly. Providing a calcium supplement and adding enrichment to their environment can help prevent chickens from eating their own eggs. Regularly collecting eggs and providing a comfortable nesting area can also help to reduce the chances of chickens eating their own eggs.