Egg consumption by chickens, an undesirable behavior for poultry owners, stems from a variety of factors related to nutrition, environment, and learned habits. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial to stopping the activity. Often, the behaviour begins accidentally; for example, a hen may break an egg and then instinctively consume the contents.
This behavior can negatively impact egg production and profitability in both small and large-scale poultry operations. Historically, various remedies have been attempted, ranging from dietary adjustments to environmental modifications. Understanding the origins and implementing effective management strategies are essential to preventing and correcting this problem.