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How to stop your chicken from eating their own eggs
Chicken, Chicken Coop

How To Stop Chickens Eating Eggs: Simple Fixes That Actually Work

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Few things feel more frustrating than opening the nest box and finding sticky straw, half shells and no eggs. If your hens have started cracking and eating their own eggs, it is not always because they are “bad chickens.” It is usually a mix of thin shells, boredom, feed issues or nest box problems. The good news is that most egg eating habits can be turned around with simple changes to feed, nesting and enrichment. Step 1: Understand Why Chickens Eat Eggs? Before you can fix egg eating, it helps to know why it starts: If you only focus on stopping hens from tasting eggs, without fixing the root causes, the habit often returns. Better Layer Feed And Grit For Hens With Thin Shells Or Nutritional Gaps. Eggs are built from what hens eat. If your birds are on basic mixed corn, old feed or lots of kitchen scraps, shells can end up thin and fragile. A good quality layer feed paired with calcium and grit can make shells stronger and less likely to crack. This is the kind of change you make when eggs feel soft, shells break easily in your hand or you notice lots of shell fragments in nests. Support For Eggshell Strength For Hens Who Need Extra Help Beyond Standard Feed. Some hens need more support, especially older birds or those recovering from illness.Gentle eggshell strength supplements or calcium boosters can help raise shell quality without overloading them. Typical options include: This is useful for flocks where you have already upgraded feed but shells are still weak and prone to cracking. An Improved Nest Box Setup For Coops Where Eggs Are Cracking In The Nest Sometimes the problem is not the hen, but the nest.If eggs roll to the edge, sit on hard surfaces or end up where hens jump in and out, cracks are more likely. Nest box improvements can include: These changes suit coops where you often find cracked eggs in the nest with clear shell fragments but no obvious bullying. Did You Know? Fun Egg Facts For Chicken Keepers Boredom Buster Toys And Feeders For Hens Who Peck Eggs Out Of Curiosity Or Boredom. Chickens are clever and busy. If they have nothing to do and too little space, they start pecking at whatever is nearby, including eggs. Enrichment toys and smarter feeders give them safer targets. Good boredom busters include: You can check out our Blog for amazing chicken toys here These tools are especially helpful for rescue hens or flocks in smaller runs where boredom leads to pecking and bad habits. Egg Collecting Routine And Dummy Eggs For Coops Where Hens Have Learned The Taste Of Eggs Once hens have eaten eggs a few times, they can learn the habit.You have to make eggs less available and less interesting. Small changes can help: This routine fits flocks where hens clearly seek out eggs and deliberately break them, rather than just walking on them by accident. How To Put It All Together Stopping egg eating usually requires a combination of changes, not just one. A practical plan might look like this: Make changes steadily over a few weeks.Watch how hens behave in the coop and around nests.Note any shifts in shell quality, egg numbers and pecking. How To Choose The Right Fix For Your Flock Use your flock’s behaviour as a guide. If you notice: You do not need to buy or change everything at once.Start with the most obvious issue, give it two to three weeks, then add or adjust based on what you see. When To Get Extra Help? Sometimes egg eating is part of a bigger health or welfare picture.Speak to a vet or poultry specialist if: Professional advice can help you rule out medical causes and design a plan that suits your specific flock, coop and environment. Affiliate Disclosure This blog may contain affiliate links to chicken feed, supplements, nest box products and enrichment toys. If you purchase through these links, Fetch Stop may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Chicken, Chicken Coop, Chicken Treats

How To Worm Chickens Naturally And Keep Your Flock Parasite Free

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If you keep backyard chickens, worms are something you will almost certainly come across at some point. They are incredibly common, they thrive in the kind of environment chickens love, and they can cause real problems if they are left unchecked for too long. The good news is that natural prevention is very much within reach for most backyard flock keepers. With the right routine, a little extra attention, and some simple supportive products, you can give your chickens the best possible chance of staying healthy and parasite-free all year round. This guide covers what worms are, how to spot them, which natural methods actually help, what products are worth having, and when to take things more seriously. Understanding Worms In Chickens First Chickens can pick up internal parasites by pecking at contaminated ground, eating earthworms, slugs, or snails that carry worm larvae, or simply by living in a space where worm eggs are already present in the soil. Worm eggs can survive in the environment for a long time, which means that even a clean-looking run can carry a parasite burden if the ground has not been rested or treated. Damp, muddy, and well-used patches of ground are particularly high risk because the conditions suit worm eggs well. Free ranging is brilliant for enrichment and natural behaviour, but it does increase exposure. That does not mean you should stop letting your chickens roam. It just means that flock management matters even more when birds have access to the outside world. Signs Your Chickens May Have Worms Worms are not always easy to spot, especially in the early stages. Some of the most common signs to watch for include weight loss, poor body condition, a drop in egg production, pale combs or wattles, loose or messy droppings, increased appetite without weight gain, and in more serious cases, weakness or lethargy. Gapeworm is one type that causes a very specific symptom. Affected birds may stretch their necks, gasp, or make a rattling sound when breathing, which is sometimes called the gapes. If your birds seem off, are losing condition steadily, or just do not look quite right, parasites are always worth considering alongside other possible causes. Natural Ways To Worm Chickens Natural worming is best thought of as ongoing prevention and gut support rather than a guaranteed cure for a heavy infestation. Several well-known natural options can help make the environment less welcoming for parasites, and many experienced chicken keepers use them as part of a regular flock care routine. Use Crushed Garlic In Drinking Water Garlic is one of the most widely used natural remedies in backyard chicken keeping. It is believed to help create a less hospitable environment for parasites in the gut and is commonly added to drinking water in small amounts for short periods. Many keepers use it a few days at a time rather than as a permanent daily addition. Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Water Raw apple cider vinegar is often used alongside garlic to help support digestive health and maintain a gut environment that is less inviting to parasites. It is usually added in small measured amounts to drinking water and works best as part of a wider prevention routine rather than a standalone fix. Offer Pumpkin Seeds As A Supportive Treat Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a compound that is often discussed in natural chicken care for its potential anti-parasite properties. They are best thought of as a helpful part of a broader prevention plan. They are not a guaranteed solution for a serious worm burden on their own, but they are a simple and well-liked addition to natural flock care. Add Herbs To The Routine Herbs such as oregano, wormwood, thyme, sage, mint, and rosemary are regularly used in natural chicken keeping to support gut health and general resilience. Some keepers mix dried herbs into feed or mash, while others grow them near the run so chickens can nibble freely. Either approach adds variety and natural gut support without any extra effort. Support The Gut After Any Treatment After a natural worming routine, offering a poultry probiotic or a small amount of plain unsweetened yogurt can help support the digestive system as it recovers. A stronger, healthier gut is better placed to cope with a low parasite load over time, and probiotic support is a simple way to work that into your routine. Poultry Probiotic Supplement A good quality poultry probiotic is one of the most useful products you can keep on hand for natural flock care. It supports digestive health, helps the gut recover after stress or treatment, and can be used regularly as part of a prevention routine like this poultry probiotic supplement on Amazon as a year-round gut support option that works well alongside natural worming methods. Coop Management Does A Lot Of The Hard Work If you want natural methods to work as well as possible, hygiene has to carry a significant part of the load. A clean, dry, well-managed coop and run will do more for parasite prevention than any single ingredient or remedy on its own. Practical steps that genuinely make a difference include: Diatomaceous Earth For Coop Use Food grade diatomaceous earth is widely used by chicken keepers as part of coop hygiene routines. While its effectiveness as an internal wormer is debated, many keepers use it in bedding and dust bathing areas to help manage the external environment. This food grade diatomaceous earth on Amazon as a coop hygiene product worth keeping in the routine. Look for: A Simple Natural Worming Routine Keeping things consistent works far better than occasional bursts of effort followed by long gaps. A simple regular routine takes very little time and builds real resilience into your flock management over time. A practical natural prevention routine looks like this: Weekly Monthly Seasonally Apple Cider Vinegar For Poultry A raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar designed for poultry use is one of the simplest and most affordable additions to any natural flock

Chicken, Chicken Coop, Chicken Treats

Everything You Need To Know About Heat Stroke In Chickens And Urgent Treatment

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Summer can be a beautiful time to keep chickens. Long days, dry runs, and plenty of natural foraging. But when temperatures climb quickly, backyard flocks can go from happy to dangerously overheated in a surprisingly short amount of time. Heat stroke in chickens is a genuine emergency. Unlike dogs, chickens cannot pant efficiently enough to cool themselves down when conditions become extreme. They do not sweat. They have limited options when the heat builds. And when things go wrong, they can go wrong very fast. The good news is that most heat-related emergencies are entirely preventable. And even when they do happen, knowing exactly what to look for and what to do next can genuinely be the difference between a full recovery and losing a bird. This guide covers the warning signs, the urgent steps, what products to have on hand, and how to set your flock up so heat stroke never becomes a crisis in the first place. Why Chickens Struggle So Much In The Heat Chickens regulate their body temperature by panting, holding their wings away from their body, and seeking shade. They do not have sweat glands, which means their ability to cool down is far more limited than most other animals. When the air temperature is already high, even panting becomes less effective because the air they are breathing in is not cool enough to help. Heavy breeds like Orpingtons, Sussex, and Brahmas tend to feel the heat more than lighter Mediterranean breeds like Leghorns. Older birds, very young birds, and birds already dealing with illness or stress are also at much higher risk during hot weather. Dark-feathered birds absorb more heat from sunlight too, which is worth keeping in mind if your flock includes a mix of colours and breeds. Fun Fact A chicken’s normal body temperature sits between 40.6 and 41.7 degrees Celsius, which is already significantly higher than a human’s. That narrow margin means that even a modest rise in environmental temperature can push them toward dangerous territory faster than most keepers expect. Early Warning Signs Of Overheating Catching heat stress early gives you the best possible chance of bringing a bird back safely before it tips into full heat stroke. The earlier you spot the signs, the better the outcome. Early signs to watch for include: These signs on their own do not mean a bird is in immediate danger, but they do mean the conditions are already too warm and something needs to change quickly. Never wait to see if a bird improves on its own when temperatures are high. Signs Of Serious Heat Stroke In Chickens When heat stress tips into heat stroke, the situation becomes urgent. A bird in the middle of full heat stroke needs immediate intervention. Serious signs to act on immediately include: If you see any of these signs, move the bird immediately. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own. Every minute matters at this stage. Urgent Steps To Take When A Chicken Has Heat Stroke Speed matters here. Work through these steps calmly and quickly!! Step 1: Move the bird to a cool, shaded area immediatelyGet them out of direct sunlight straight away. Indoors in a cool room or a shaded, well-ventilated area is ideal. Do not place them in an air-conditioned room that is extremely cold as the sudden temperature change can cause additional shock. Step 2: Cool the bird gradually, not suddenlyUse cool water, not ice cold water, to gently wet the comb, wattles, legs, and feet. You can also carefully wet the feathers on the underside of the wings. Avoid submerging the bird in cold water as this can cause shock. Step 3: Offer cool fresh waterIf the bird is conscious and able to swallow, offer cool fresh water. Do not force water into the beak of an unconscious or semi-conscious bird as this risks aspiration. Step 4: Use a fan if availableGentle airflow helps the evaporation process cool the bird more effectively. A small fan directed near the bird, not blowing directly into their face, can make a real difference. Step 5: Monitor closely and contact a vet if there is no improvementIf a bird is unconscious, convulsing, or shows no signs of improvement within fifteen to twenty minutes of cooling efforts, contact a poultry-experienced vet as quickly as possible. Chicken Automatic Waterer With Large Capacity One of the most important things during hot weather is ensuring fresh, cool water is always available and never runs out. A large automatic chicken waterer removes the guesswork entirely and means your flock always has access to clean water even on the hottest days. Search Automatic Chicken Waterer or Large Poultry Drinker on Amazon UK to find several well-reviewed options quickly. Keeping multiple water points around the run during summer is also worth doing so birds never have to travel far to drink. Portable USB Clip-On Fan For Chicken Coop A small portable fan makes a significant difference in a coop or enclosed run during hot weather. Moving air helps chickens cool through their limited evaporation process and breaks up the still, stagnant heat that builds inside a coop on warm days. Search USB Clip Fan Small Portable on Amazon UK to find compact, battery or USB-powered options that are easy to position in a coop or run. Position the fan to move air through the space rather than blowing directly onto the birds, and ensure the cord and unit are placed completely out of pecking reach. How To Prevent Heat Stroke Before It Happens Prevention is always easier than treatment. A few simple adjustments to your summer routine can dramatically reduce the risk of heat stroke in your flock. Practical prevention steps include: Shade Cloth For Chicken Run A good shade cloth is one of the most practical summer investments for any backyard chicken keeper. It can reduce the temperature inside a run significantly by blocking direct sunlight while still allowing airflow, which is far better than a solid cover that traps heat underneath.

Chicken, Chicken Treats

Beginner’s Guide To Safe Chicken Treats That Hens Absolutely Love

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If you have ever taken a snack into the garden, you already know chickens are professional food critics. They sprint for anything that rustles, stare at you until you share, and somehow always remember where treats came from last time. The tricky part is working out which foods are safe, which ones should only be given in moderation, and which treats make them absolutely lose their minds in a good way. A handful of the right snacks can be great for enrichment, training, and bonding, as long as the main diet still comes from a balanced feed. This guide covers what chickens can eat safely, which foods to avoid, and some favourite treats that backyard flocks go wild for, plus a few useful products to make treat time cleaner and easier. The Basics: What Chickens Should Eat Most Of The Time Even though chickens love treats, their core diet should still be a complete feed that is designed for their age and purpose. Think of treats as the side dish, not the main course. Most backyard chickens do best with: Treats should usually stay as a small part of their daily intake so that vitamins, minerals and protein come mainly from their proper feed. If you want treats to stay in balance, it really helps to start with a good quality base feed. A reliable layers pellet or crumble gives your hens the nutrition they need so treats become a fun extra instead of a replacement.You could recommend a well rated layers feed like Allen & Page Complete Poultry Feed Layers Pellets on Amazon. It is ideal as the everyday diet, so your hens can enjoy treats without missing out on essential nutrients. Safe Everyday Treats Chickens Love There are plenty of safe foods you can share in small amounts that most chickens really enjoy. These work nicely as occasional rewards or boredom busters. Some safe treats in moderation include: Fresh foods are best offered chopped, in small portions, and ideally not all at once. That way, you can see how your flock reacts and avoid upset stomachs. If you want to keep treats off the floor and turn them into a fun activity, a hanging treat holder or vegetable clip is a great little accessory. It stops treats from being trampled into the bedding and gives hens something to peck and chase.Try something like this hanging treat ball or veg clip on Amazon High Reward Treats That Make Chickens Go Wild Some treats have serious star power in the chicken world. These are the ones who sprint across the run, tripping over each other and making excited, happy noises. Popular high reward treats include: These should stay occasional because they can be higher in fat or energy, but they are brilliant for training, recall and building positive associations with you. If there is one treat almost all chickens go wild for, it is dried insect treats such as mealworms or mixed bugs. They are rich, tasty and easy to scatter as a reward. You can recommend a bag of dried mealworms or insect mix like this chicken treat mix on AmazonIt is ideal for calling your hens over, rewarding them for going back into the run, or just giving them a bit of enrichment. Homemade Treat Ideas That Are Still Safe If you like making things from scratch, you can prepare simple homemade treats that stay chicken friendly and still feel special. A few ideas: Always avoid salt, heavy oils, sugar and strong seasoning, and remember that homemade treats count toward their overall treat allowance too. To keep homemade treats tidy, a low treat tray works well. It keeps everything contained in one place, instead of turning the whole run into a messy picnic.You can link a shallow plastic tray or foraging tray like Rosewood Naturals Hide ‘n’ Treat Maze Tray on Amazon . It is easy to rinse, and you can use it for salads, mash or mixed grains. Foods Chickens Should Not Eat Just because chickens are enthusiastic eaters does not mean everything is safe. Some foods are best avoided entirely, either because they can be toxic or cause digestive issues. Common foods to avoid include: Citrus is often avoided or kept very limited, and onion or garlic in large quantities is not recommended for most backyard flocks. If in doubt, it is usually safer to skip a food than risk it. How Often Should You Give Treats? A simple way to think about treats is the “10 percent” idea. The majority of a chicken’s diet should come from a complete feed, with treats staying within a small portion of their daily intake. Practical tips: This keeps your flock healthy while still letting you enjoy the fun side of treat time. If you want to be consistent, a treat scoop or measuring cup is a simple but effective tool. It helps you avoid overfeeding treats and keeps portions the same each time. This plastic measuring scoop or feed scoop on Amazon for both feed and treats. Using Treats For Training And Bonding Treats are not just about snacks. They are a powerful way to train behaviour and build trust You can use treats to: Over time, your flock will start to associate you with good things, which makes daily care, health checks and coop routines a lot easier. Final Thoughts Chickens love food, and treats are one of the easiest ways to make their lives more interesting and your time with them more fun. The key is to keep their main diet based on a good quality feed, then add safe, sensible treats on top. Once you know which foods are safe, which ones to avoid and which special snacks make your flock go wild, you can use treats for enrichment, training and bonding without compromising their health. ⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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