What critters are considered to be egg stealers? Ground Hog?

DawnTreader

We've had chickens for close to 10 years. We've had very little issues other than hawks thus far. Recently, due to a fox, our totally free range chickens are now staying within the confines of a large fenced area with trees and weeds with access to their coop. We have been getting very few eggs this summer. We eliminated what we thought was the culprit, a rather large snake. Still hardly any eggs. We have recently been finding eggs whole and cracked/eaten in our pasture. The only animal we see around is a ground hog. I have never had issues with ground hogs before. Is this our egg stealer?

smockv

@DawnTreader Depending on the part of the country, and how Rural/Urban your area is, I would look for : Opossum, Raccoon, skunk, or Rat. I hope that gives you some ideas on your little thief, good luck!

LaurieLovesLearning

I will repeat a few in my list: snake, fox, raven, skunk, opossum, raccoon, rat, coyote, weasel

Considering your signs and cooping, I would go with something that might carry it away. My guess is the fox if you havent yet eliminated it and/or rat.

You will want to fortify your run with 1/4" hardware cloth & put a 2' "skirt" around the perimeter of it. A fox & rat will dig. A fox can and will climb over a 6' fence and fit through a 2" hole. Chicken wire only serves to keep birds in. It is not predator proof.

Keep us updated!

DawnTreader

Update! The culprit was another huge black snake! If we went out to collect eggs 3-4 times a day, we would have more eggs. If we were unable to do that we would only have 1-2 eggs if any at all. My son and I had the misfortune of collecting eggs today when the snake was. I certainly hope there are no more. Snakes un-nerve me.😐️

LaurieLovesLearning

Well, it is good that you solved the mystery! 😊