Nests should be at least two feet (61cm) off the ground, and four feet (1. 22 m) from roosts. Remove any broody hens (hens that insist on sitting on their eggs to hatch them) from the nesting area so they don’t occupy valuable nesting space and contribute to higher traffic in the other nests. Consider a nest designed to allow the eggs to roll away into a tray after the hens stand up, keeping them safe from pecking and getting stepped on and broken. [1] X Research source
Remove anything that creates loud noises or sudden movements, as this can frighten the hens. If they get scared and run from the nesting box, they may break the eggs. Reducing light sources can also help keep the coop at a comfortable temperature–if it becomes too hot, the chickens can get irritable and start pecking more.
If an egg breaks in the nest, quickly clean out all the soiled nesting material. [3] X Research source
Try to set up an area where they can roam and climb or jump on different obstacles, like tree stumps or roots. If you don’t have anything like that in your yard, set up a ladder or a swing for them to climb on. [5] X Research source Place a pile of hay in the chicken run. The hens will busy themselves scratching and rearranging the hay into an even layer. [6] X Research source
Keep in mind that additional starch (from kitchen scraps or scratch grains) needs to be supplemented with more protein, as it will lower the average protein content of their diet. [10] X Research source
Ground oyster shells or limestone are great sources of calcium for your chickens. Add 2lbs. (1kg) to every 100lbs. (45kg) of feed or provide a side-feeder with these supplements for the chickens to eat. Give your hens a dish of fresh whole milk every day for several days to increase their calcium intake. [12] X Research source Avoid using egg shells as a source of calcium for your chickens, as they may recognize them by sight or smell and begin eating them on their own. If you choose to do this, grind the shells into tiny pieces so the hens can’t tell what they are. You may notice your eggs have softer shells when it’s hot, as chickens don’t retain calcium as efficiently in hot weather. Increase your chickens’ calcium supplements on warmer days.
You can add a vitamin supplement to the water to help your hens absorb calcium.
Isolate the hen from the other so she can no longer eat their eggs and they won’t pick up on her bad behavior. [14] X Research source Watch the rest of the flock to see if the egg eating stops. If eggs continue to be eaten, the behavior may have already spread and you may need to isolate other chickens. [15] X Research source Isolating the hen may be enough of a disruption to stop her from eating the eggs. [16] X Research source
Gather eggs at least twice a day or more often if possible. [17] X Research source
You can also blow out a raw egg by poking a hole on the top and bottom and blowing out the contents of the egg. Then fill it with mustard and replace it in the nest. Chickens do not like mustard and this can teach them very quickly that eggs are not tasty at all. [19] X Research source
If you are not willing to go take those measures, you can buy special blinders that will prevent the hen from seeing things straight on. If she can only see from the side, it will be difficult for her to successfully find and peck an egg. [20] X Research source You can also permanently isolate the hen or keep her separated from the others until after most of the eggs have been laid and collected. She may continue to destroy her own eggs, but the other eggs will be safe (unless the hens lay more eggs once she rejoins the flock). [21] X Research source
