11 Ways to Stop Chickens from Eating their Eggs

It might sound weird for new chicken owners, but if you notice your chicken is eating eggs, then you shouldn’t ignore.

Egg eating by chickens is not common and need to be addressed ASAP.

Nutritional deficiency or stress can be the reason why your chicken is eating her own eggs.

Obviously, it takes time and you must isolate the chicken to save remaining eggs.

Why Is My Chicken Eating Eggs?

It might be frustrating, but knowing why chicken is eating eggs is the first step to stop it. Chickens don’t usually start eating eggs for no reason; there’s often an underlying cause.

Let’s break down the most common reasons behind this behavior and what they mean for your flock.

Nutritional Deficiency

Sometimes egg eating starts because your hens are missing something in their diet, most often calcium or protein. Eggs are nutrient-dense, so when chickens feel the lack, they instinctively turn to the closest source available—their own eggs.

A poor or imbalanced feed can easily trigger this behavior. Making sure your flock gets a complete layer feed with enough protein and extra calcium (like crushed oyster shells) can help reduce the urge to eat eggs.

Stress

Just like people, chickens can develop bad habits under stress. Crowding, sudden changes in their environment, or predators lurking nearby can make hens anxious. Stress often leads to feather picking, pacing, and unfortunately, egg eating.

Creating a calm environment goes a long way. Ensure the coop isn’t overcrowded, keep routines steady, and give your hens plenty of space to scratch, roam, and relax. A stress-free flock is far less likely to develop egg-eating habits.

Poor Egg Shells

Weak or thin eggshells are another big culprit. Fragile shells break easily, and once a hen tastes the inside, she may start actively pecking future eggs. Soft shells usually point to calcium deficiency or young layers whose bodies are still adjusting.

Providing free-choice calcium sources, like oyster shell or even crushed eggshells (properly baked to kill bacteria), can strengthen shells. A sturdier egg is less likely to crack, reducing temptation for curious hens.

Accidental Occurrence

Sometimes, egg eating begins completely by accident. A hen may step on an egg, crack it, and curiosity leads her to taste what’s inside. Once she discovers how good it is, the behavior can quickly become a habit.

Keeping nesting boxes clean and lined with enough bedding can prevent eggs from breaking in the first place. Collecting eggs frequently also helps limit accidental discoveries.

Habit from Another Flock

Chickens are copycats. If one hen starts eating eggs, others often catch on just by watching. What begins as one bird’s habit can spread to the entire flock before you know it.

Separating the culprit (if you can spot her) and addressing the root cause—whether diet, stress, or shells—is key. Breaking the cycle early keeps it from turning into a flock-wide issue.

Lack of Nest Boxes

If hens don’t have enough nest boxes, they may lay eggs on the floor, where they’re more likely to crack and get eaten. A cramped or poorly designed nest box can also make hens restless and rough with their eggs.

Ideally, provide at least one nest box for every 3–4 hens. Make sure they’re cozy, dark, and filled with soft bedding. Comfortable nesting spaces reduce breakage and keep eggs safer from pecking beaks.

11 Ways to Stop Chicken from Eating Eggs

Egg eating is one of the most frustrating behaviors chicken keepers face, as it can quickly spread throughout the flock and significantly reduce egg production.

This destructive habit often begins innocently when a hen pecks at a cracked egg, but once established, it can become deeply ingrained and difficult to break. The good news is that with the right strategies and persistence, egg eating can be prevented and stopped effectively.

The good news? This habit can be broken.

Chickens don’t usually start eating eggs out of nowhere—there’s almost always a reason. Maybe their diet is lacking, maybe the shells are weak, or maybe stress is pushing them into bad behavior. Once you identify the cause, the solution becomes much easier.

Below are proven methods that work for most flocks.

Some are quick fixes, while others take a little more management, but together they’ll help you keep your eggs safe and your hens happy.

1. Provide a Balanced Diet

Hens often turn to eggs when they’re not getting enough from their regular feed. Protein deficiency is especially common—without enough, they look for alternatives, and eggs are a natural target.

Start by making sure your flock is eating a layer feed formulated for egg production. This ensures the right balance of protein, energy, and minerals. Avoid giving too many scratch grains or treats, as they dilute the nutrition from feed.

If you want to supplement, think in terms of healthy protein sources: mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, or even scrambled eggs (yes, it’s safe if cooked and unrecognizable). Meeting their dietary needs reduces the drive to seek nutrients elsewhere.

Also Read: 70 Things Chickens Can Eat & 30 Food Items to Avoid

2. Offer Free-Choice Calcium

Eggshells are made mostly of calcium, and if hens don’t get enough, their bodies naturally crave it. Unfortunately, the quickest source is the eggs they just laid.

Keep a separate container of crushed oyster shells or baked, ground eggshells available at all times. Hens will instinctively eat as much calcium as they need without overdoing it.

This not only strengthens eggshells, making them less likely to break, but it also satisfies the nutritional gap that triggers egg eating in the first place.

3. Collect Eggs Frequently

Eggs that sit too long in the nest are far more likely to crack, especially if multiple hens pile into the same box. Once a hen tastes a broken egg, it can spark a bad habit.

Make it part of your routine to check nests at least two to three times a day. Early morning, midday, and late afternoon are usually best.

This habit not only prevents egg eating but also keeps eggs cleaner and safer for your kitchen. In hot or freezing weather, frequent collection is even more important.

4. Use Rollaway Nest Boxes

If egg eating has become a real problem, rollaway nest boxes can be a lifesaver. They’re designed so eggs gently roll away into a covered compartment as soon as they’re laid.

Because hens can’t reach them, the temptation is gone. Many keepers see egg eating stop almost overnight once they install these boxes.

They can be purchased pre-made, or you can DIY by sloping the nest box floor slightly downward and adding padding so eggs roll safely. It’s a more permanent solution for persistent flocks.

Check this: How to Get Chickens to Go into the Coop at Night?

5. Give Enough Nest Boxes

Overcrowding is a hidden cause of egg eating. When too many hens share a single box, eggs get jostled, stepped on, and cracked. Once broken, they rarely go to waste.

Aim for one nest box per 3–4 hens. Spread them out, and if possible, make them private and quiet.

Clean, well-bedded boxes encourage hens to lay gently, while reducing the chances of accidental egg breakage. This small management step makes a big difference in prevention.

6. Reduce Stress in the Flock

Stress pushes chickens into unhealthy behaviors—feather picking, aggression, and yes, egg eating. Stress can come from overcrowding, lack of enrichment, predators nearby, or poor coop design.

Provide 4 square feet of indoor coop space per bird and at least 10 square feet in the run. Add roosting bars, dust-bathing areas, and shady spots to help them feel secure.

Keep routines predictable and protect the coop from sudden noises, pests, or dogs. A calm, well-managed flock lays better and has far fewer destructive habits.

Also Read: 6 Best Ground Cover for Chicken Run

7. Keep the Coop and Nests Dark

Eggs are far less tempting if hens can’t see them easily. Bright nest boxes draw attention, while dark, cozy spaces keep eggs hidden.

Line boxes with plenty of straw, shavings, or hay. Some keepers hang simple cloth curtains over the entrance, giving hens privacy while reducing visibility.

Not only does this discourage egg eating, but hens also feel more comfortable laying in shaded spaces. It’s a win-win.

8. Break the Habit Early

Once hens get a taste for eggs, it spreads quickly. One bad hen can teach the entire flock, so catching it early is crucial.

If you notice a culprit, isolate her for a few days and reinforce good nutrition and environment. In stubborn cases, rollaway boxes or fake eggs (see below) are necessary.

The earlier you act, the easier it is to break the cycle. Waiting too long often means retraining the whole flock.

9. Use Fake or Wooden Eggs

This is an old trick, but it still works. Place ceramic, wooden, or even golf balls in nest boxes. Hens peck at them, get nothing, and eventually give up.

Fake eggs are especially helpful if you’re dealing with one or two persistent offenders. Combined with frequent collection, it sends a clear message: “eggs aren’t worth pecking.”

At the same time, it encourages laying in nest boxes instead of random corners of the coop.

10. Provide Enrichment and Distractions

Sometimes, hens eat eggs simply because they’re bored. Chickens are active foragers, and if they don’t have enough to do, they’ll peck at anything—including eggs.

Offer hanging cabbage heads, treat balls, or scattered scratch grain to keep them occupied. Letting them free-range or explore a larger run also reduces boredom.

Busy hens spend their energy on scratching, pecking, and dust bathing, not egg destruction. Enrichment is a simple but often overlooked solution.

11. Fix Accidental Breakage

In many cases, egg eating starts because of a cracked egg left behind. Once hens taste it, the cycle begins.

Prevent this by ensuring boxes are well-padded, checking for broken eggs right away, and placing boxes in low, stable spots where eggs won’t roll out.

Avoid thin bedding or bare wooden floors—eggs need cushioning to stay intact. A few extra inches of straw can make the difference between a saved egg and a broken one.

Conclusion

Chickens eating their own eggs can be a frustrating problem, but the solutions are often simple—better nutrition, stronger shells, cleaner nests, and less stress. By putting these proven methods into practice, you’ll protect your flock’s eggs, boost productivity, and enjoy more fresh eggs at home.

And if you’ve tried everything but a hen still won’t stop? Isolate her, switch to rollaway boxes, or as a last resort, consider culling to protect the rest of your flock.