Why Are My Chickens Eating Their Eggs and How Can I Stop It?

Chickens eating their own eggs can be a real headache, especially for beginner backyard keepers. For farmers, it’s more than just frustrating—it’s money down the drain. After all, no one wants to spend hard-earned cash on feed only to watch the eggs disappear before they even make it to the carton.

Egg-eating usually starts innocently. Perhaps a hen pecks at a cracked egg and gets a taste of the yummy contents. But left unchecked, it can quickly become a bad habit that spreads to other hens in your flock. The good news is there are practical steps how to stop chickens from eating their eggs.

The two most common reasons for chickens eating eggs are nutritional deficiencies (like low calcium or protein) and bad habits formed due to boredom or curiosity. Addressing these causes head-on will save your precious eggs and keep your hens healthier and happier.

If you're dealing with egg-eating hens, here’s what you can do right away:

• Collect eggs multiple times daily so the eggs are not sitting in the nesting boxes for a long time
• Add fake clay eggs or golf balls in the nesting boxes. Chickens will peck at these, but since there’s no reward, they’ll eventually lose interest in pecking altogether
• Identify the problem hens so you know who is eating the eggs (also, be sure it's your chooks eating the eggs and not rats in your coop)
• Invest in roll-away nesting boxes that keep eggs out of reach and you can collect the eggs from a separate compartment.
• Offer calcium-rich Natural Shell Grit or a calcium supplement like Vetsense Avi-Calcium added to their drinking water.
• Prevent boredom with simple chicken-friendly activities.

Let’s explore these strategies step-by-step to solve this issue for good.

Why Chickens Eat Eggs and How to Fix It

If egg-eating has already become a habit, tackling it from multiple angles is the most effective solution.

Combine the following approaches:

1. Identify the Problem Hen

If one hen is responsible for most of the pecking, watch the flock closely to catch her in the act. Once identified, separate her temporarily and remove her eggs promptly for a few days. Often, this break in routine is enough to stop the behaviour.

Now, if you’re chatting with other backyard keepers, you might hear someone joke about making the culprit “guest of honour at the Sunday roast.” Take that with a grain of salt! It can take a bit of patience to retrain a stubborn chook, but you can usually get them to stop eating their own eggs with the right approach.

Give the other tips a fair go first, and you’ll likely sort out the issue without such drastic measures.

2. Collect Eggs Frequently

One of the simplest solutions is to collect eggs throughout the day, reducing the chance for your hens to access and peck at them. Early morning and early afternoon are the most common laying times.

3. Improve Their Nesting Setup

Eggs left in unsuitable nesting areas are at greater risk. Switch to roll-away nesting boxes that automatically separate eggs from the hens. This keeps your eggs intact and ensures they remain clean. Explore our roll-away nesting boxes here.

If you prefer traditional boxes, make sure they’re well-padded, shaded, and inviting to hens to prevent them from laying eggs elsewhere.

4. Use Fake Eggs

Place clay eggs, wooden eggs, or even clean golf balls in nesting boxes. You can buy fake eggs online or in well-stocked poultry supply stores. Even some hardware stores carry them.

Chickens will peck at the fake eggs, but since there’s no reward, they’ll eventually lose interest in pecking altogether.

Tip: Mark fake eggs with an “X” to distinguish them from real eggs and avoid collecting them by mistake.

Check and replace fake eggs periodically if they become damaged or dirty. You can also clean them every couple of months to keep the nesting area hygienic.

5. Boost Calcium Levels

A common trigger for egg-eating is calcium deficiency. Hens need plenty of calcium to produce strong eggshells, and when their diet falls short, they may start eating eggs to supplement their needs.

Offer free-choice shell grit or liquid calcium like Vetsense Avi-Calcium diluted in their water feeder. This is especially important during peak laying seasons.

6. Increase Protein in Their Diet

Low protein levels can also lead to egg-eating. Laying hens need around 16–18% protein in their diet. If you suspect their feed is lacking, supplement with protein-rich snacks like mealworms or adjust their feed.

Learn more about protein requirements for chickens.

7. Try “Trapping” Eggs with Mustard

This is one of those tips you’ll see floating around the internet, and it’s had mixed reviews. Some people swear by it, while others share videos (see below) of hens developing a taste for mustard instead! So, try it at your own risk. If you do, let us know how it goes—your experience might help other backyard keepers.

For those willing to give it a shot, this method can be effective if you catch egg-eating early. Hollow out an egg by carefully blowing out its contents, then refill the shell with mustard or another substance chickens don’t like. Most hens will take one peck and decide it’s not worth it.

Seal the hole with a bit of tape or wax, place the “trap egg” in the nesting box, and observe. With a little luck, your hens will learn their lesson quickly!

8. Address Predators or Broken Eggs

Sometimes, chickens eat eggs that are already broken, especially if predators like rats or ground squirrels invade the coop and damage eggs. Check your coop for signs of predators, such as droppings or gnawed holes, and secure any openings.

Read how to get rid of rats in the coop.

Additionally, inspect your nesting boxes for proper padding to prevent eggs from cracking when laid. Use soft materials like straw or shredded paper to cushion eggs.

9. Keep Chickens Active and Engaged

Boredom is a leading cause of egg-eating behaviour. Confined chickens with little to do may start pecking at eggs or even each other. Provide enrichment activities, such as:

• Hanging cabbage or lettuce for them to peck at.
• Scatter feeding grains or treats like mealworms to encourage foraging.
• Adding perches, logs, or toys to the run for climbing and exploration.

A more enriched environment not only reduces stress but also keeps your hens focused on healthier behaviours.

10. Encourage Chickens to Lay in Nesting Boxes

If your hens are laying eggs all over the coop, they might just need a little guidance.

Keep nesting boxes clean, dark, and inviting. Adding fake eggs, like clay or wooden ones, can help signal where to lay.

Block off areas where they shouldn’t lay and consider using roll-away nesting boxes for added convenience. For more tips, stay tuned for our article coming out soon on this topic!

Prevent Egg Eating with the Right Supplies

From upgraded nesting boxes to calcium supplements, having the right tools on hand can make a huge difference in managing egg-eating behaviour:

• Roll-away nesting boxes keep eggs safe and clean.
• Natural Shell Grit and Vetsense Avi-Calcium provide essential nutrients for stronger eggs.
• Learn how to safely feed eggshells to your chickens.

Investing in these products will save time, money, and frustration while ensuring your hens stay happy and healthy.

Solving Egg-Eating Habits in Your Flock

Dealing with egg-eating hens can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can restore harmony to your coop. Focus on improving their nesting environment, boosting nutrition, and preventing boredom.

If you’re ready to upgrade your coop with practical solutions, browse our nesting boxes and supplements today. For personalised advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Keep your flock healthy, happy, and productive!