Chicken eggs are a tasty, nutritious food source cherished by humans and animals alike. As backyard chicken keeping grows in popularity, more people are wondering – what animals eat chicken eggs from the coop or nesting boxes? It turns out, a surprising variety of critters enjoy cracking open an egg for a protein-packed snack.
Common Chicken Egg Eaters
When given the chance, some animal species have been known to eat chicken eggs. The most frequent egg eaters include:
-
Raccoons – With their nimble paws and masked bandit faces, raccoons are adept at raiding nests and stealing eggs. They will sneak into coops at night and can destroy a whole clutch of eggs in minutes.
-
Opossums – While not as agile as raccoons, opossums will happily consume unattended eggs they come across Their omnivorous appetites and nocturnal nature make them problematic egg eaters.
-
Foxes—Foxes eat chickens, ducks, and any eggs they come across. They are bold daytime egg thieves who are less scared of people than other animals.
-
Skunks—Skunks are known for their smell, and they also break eggs. When given the chance, they will destroy nests and all the eggs inside in one night.
-
Crows – Intelligent and opportunistic, crows watch for any unattended eggs they can quickly swoop in and carry away. They may even peck into eggs still in nests.
-
Blue jays – Related to crows, blue jays also watch for chances to grab eggs, though they are less bold about venturing into coops. Jays may raid nests in bushes and shrubs near chicken runs.
-
Snakes – Certain snakes like the black rat snake are adept climbers that will slither into coops and consume eggs. Snake-deterrent fences around runs are recommended.
-
Coyotes – As predators, coyotes may not pass up the chance for a fresh egg meal. They are known to target birds as well as steal unattended eggs.
-
Wild cats If they get the chance, they will quickly destroy nests and eat eggs.
-
Owls & hawks – As bird hunters, owls and hawks pose a double threat to chickens and their eggs. They may even raid nests during daylight hours.
-
Badgers & weasels – Smaller mammalian predators including weasels, mink, and badgers are agile egg hunters that can decimate an egg supply. They may dig under or squeeze through small gaps in coops.
Why Animals Eat Eggs
For many animal species, chicken eggs present an appealing package of readily-available nutrients. Eggs contain high-quality protein and beneficial fats, making them a energy-dense food source. The calcium in egg shells also supplies an important mineral, especially for growing young animals.
As primarily instinct-driven creatures, most animals eat eggs opportunistically as they happen across unprotected clutches. Even if not hungry at the moment, they may still consume eggs to take advantage of this nutritious package. Some species like crows may also opportunistically steal eggs to eat later.
For egg-loving predators like foxes and coyotes, encountering an undefended clutch of chicken eggs represents a chance to quickly supplement their diets. Their natural hunting instincts drive them to take advantage of this unexpected bounty.
Animals that do not typically consume meat, like opossums and raccoons, may be drawn to eggs as a way to get high-quality animal protein without having to kill live prey. Eggs present a low-effort meal high in nutrients their bodies need.
Ultimately for any animal, encountering chicken eggs signals the possibility of getting vital energy and nourishment. Their instincts drive them to capitalize on this opportunity while they can, before the eggs possibly hatch or are consumed by something else. Whether out of opportunism, convenience or absolute need, a fresh egg is difficult for many species to resist.
Protecting Eggs from Animal Thieves
Since so many common critters find chicken eggs appealing, measures are needed to protect egg supplies. Key tactics include:
-
Keeping coops securely closed at night and adding reinforcements like wire mesh under siding. No gaps should allow entry of snakes, rodents or other creatures.
-
Using predator-proof latches on all coop doors that animals cannot manipulate open.
-
Collecting eggs frequently throughout the day and not leaving them unattended in nests.
-
Providing covered nesting boxes that conceal eggs and deter grab-and-run thefts.
-
Using fake plastic eggs in nests to trick animals attempting to raid.
-
Keeping the area around the coop clear so approaching animals have no place to hide.
-
Employing deterrents like predator urine spray around the perimeter.
-
Adding secure flooring to outdoor runs to block digging entry.
-
Supplementing coop fences with electric wire or meshes to thwart climbing predators.
Being proactive is key to safeguarding eggs against animal intruders. Eliminating all possible entry points, frequently collecting eggs, and using protective accessories can effectively minimize egg predation. With some added efforts, it’s possible to have peace of mind and enjoy the full bounty from backyard chickens. Just be vigilant against the many critters out there who would be happy to poach those eggs given half a chance!
Keep Nutrition Quality High
Hens that aren’t getting enough food may be tempted to eat eggs because they have healthy fats and protein. Provide a complete ration formulated to meet the needs of laying hens. Feedstuffs like scratch grains and cracked corn are not appropriate on their own. It may be tempting to mix these with a complete ration to decrease costs, but this will dilute the ration, throw off the nutrient balance, and ultimately provide less of what the hens need.
Strong eggshells, which can be improved through nutrition, will help prevent egg eating by preventing egg breakage. To keep the shells strong, feed a complete ration and provide free-choice oyster shells or limestone as a calcium supplement. Do not mix extra calcium directly into the feed. Provide it in a separate pan that hens cannot climb or dustbathe in, or top-dress a complete ration when needed.
Never feed the hens used eggshells without drying and smashing them to very fine particles. If the hen can associate the shell with the egg, she will be encouraged to pick at the fresh eggs in the coop.
- Bright lights should not be used in chicken coops, especially near where the birds nest. Bright light increases nervousness and picking habits.
- Do not scare the hens out of the nesting boxes. The sudden movement could break eggs in the box, which would give the hens a taste of eggs and make them want to eat more.
Reduce Traffic in the Nesting Area
Egg breakage is a major reason why hens start eating eggs. Excessive traffic and eggs in the nesting area increase the chance of egg breakage. Some precautions include:
- For every four or five hens in your flock, give them a 12″ x 12″ nest. Never have less than 4 nesting boxes. Place the nests at least 2 feet above the ground and 4 feet away from the roosts at all times.
- Discourage floor nesting. Identify dark corners and sheltered areas underneath shelving or objects. These may be more attractive to hens than nest boxes.
- Determine where the hens prefer to nest. A popular place to nest can quickly become full of eggs that might hit each other. If a lot of hens keep picking the same nest, collect eggs more often during the day to keep them from piling up in one place.
- Every time you clean and dry the nests, add two inches of clean, dry material. Many eggs break because nesting boxes don’t have enough padding to protect them. Some small producers will cut up carpet pads and put them in the bottom of their nests to keep them from breaking. But if you don’t take them off and clean them or replace them often, they can easily get dirty with bacteria and mites.
- Remove all broody hens from the laying area. Broody hens take up more nesting space and make the nests that are still open busier. Other hens may also lay their eggs where the broody hen is, which makes it more likely that too many eggs will break. Do not scare hens out of nest boxes. They may accidentally break eggs on their way out.
Why Chickens Eat Their Eggs (and HOW to STOP Them!)
FAQ
What animal could be eating my chicken eggs?
If eggs are missing, one of several predators—including skunks, snakes, rats, opossums, raccoons, blue jays, and crows—may be at fault.
How do I tell what is eating my chicken eggs?
Snakes, skunks, rats, weasels, and other animals will eat eggs and leave eggshells behind, which may make your chickens want to eat eggs too. If your hens are eating eggs, they will usually have dried yolk on their beaks and sides of their heads.
What are the predators of chicken eggs?
Skunks, snakes, rats, opossums, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, blue jays, and crows can all eat or damage eggs. Foxes, skunks, opossums, jays, and crows often leave shells of consumed eggs behind.
Why are my chicken eggs disappearing?
Extreme temperatures of late summer and mid-winter darkness can trigger a lapse in egg production. Also, a hen’s feather molt in late fall can also be a reason she will lay less. While some days you see a lot of eggs in the nesting box and other days almost none, you might have an outside cause.