[coco]

Not really sure whether someone is eating eggs or not.  We have three ladies who have laid pretty much everyday since we had them as POL in July 2009. 

The last couple of weeks the laying has dropped off to two eggs most days, thought they were perhaps moulting because there are a lot of feathers around the garden or maybe it was the change of weather or something.

However, Monday I went in there and there was only one egg and what looked like the remains of another in the nest box .... thought maybe a soft egg?? but just been in there again today and there was just the one egg and again the yolk of another... no shell or anything though.

Is it possible that someone has decided to start eating eggs, even though they've never bothered before?? and if so any advice for nipping it in the bud?

Thanks for any advice or comments.

Coco
xx

[joyfull]

they are not being eaten or you would find no egg yolk left (they love the yolk). Chances are one of them is laying shell less eggs. Do they have access to oyster shell at all times? As they are about 2 years old their egg laying will decrease this winter.

[coco]

Oh right, thanks for that .... I did think it strange that there was yolk left but no sign of any shell.

They free range round the garden most of the day and there is a big bowl of oyster shells in there for them to have as and when they need.

Probably just that its winter then.

Thanks

Coco
xx

[coco]

Don't know whether its right to reactivate such an old thread or not  

Anyways, the hen that was moulting went bald a bit in a few places and now is fully feathered and lovely again, the other two never did moult ... so just her I guess.

But we are still getting two good eggs everyday and then every other day or so a soggy soft egg, sometimes with a soft shell and others just a soggy mess ... I'm guessing from where it is the coop that this egg is from the hen that moulted, but that's only because that's where she sleeps at night I've not seen her lay it or anything.

They all have access to oyster shell and a good quality layers pellet whenever they want it, and when there is someone at home they can free range round the garden and eat as they like.

My question is really ... has this hen just naturally come to the end of her laying or is there something we are missing in her diet?? is it OK to keep her as she is or is this doing her any harm?? We would be more than happy to keep her even if she's not laying but don't want to let her carry on like this if it harmful for her.

thanks

xx

[peter rooster]

Hi

I had a reduction in egg numbers then disaster I found bits of shell . Then found hen eating egg, they even eat ALL the shell . The have both grit and oyster shell on demand. Filled broken egg with chilly powder and it stopped for two weeks. Then I found an egg with lines on it due to peck marks. Back to square one think I have found the culprit by seperation so she will have to go.

[coco]

I'm not too bothered about the eggs (although don't let my other half no that ) I just wondered if she would be OK in herself .. although to  be honest she seems happy enough pecking around and ruining his garden