Why Do Birds Eat Their Eggs? It sounds shocking. You’re watching a peaceful nesting bird, only to realize it’s cracked into its own egg. At first glance, it feels unnatural. But the truth is, birds eating their own eggs isn’t rare. And if you’re raising birds or keeping a birdhouse, this is something you need to understand fast.
Let’s talk real causes, what it means, and how you can stop it.
Is It Normal for Birds to Eat Their Own Eggs?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Most of the time, it’s a sign something isn’t right. Birds are highly instinctive. They don’t do this for no reason. When they eat their eggs, it’s often linked to stress, poor nutrition, inexperience, external threats, or damage to the egg itself.
It’s more common in captive birds like chickens, pigeons, or parrots, but wild birds may also do it under pressure. For example, crows are known to sometimes raid or destroy nests when food is scarce.
Top Reasons Birds Eat Their Eggs
1. The Egg Was Already Broken
A cracked or damaged egg can draw attention. If it’s already leaking or smells off, the bird may instinctively clean it up. That often means eating it.
Weak shells from calcium deficiency are common. Accidental breakage during nesting or incubation happens. Other birds may have pecked at it first.
This is more about tidying than aggression. Birds do not want to attract predators, so they remove messes quickly.
2. Poor Nutrition and Mineral Deficiency
If the bird lacks calcium, protein, or key minerals, it may turn to its own eggs as a nutrient source. This usually points to poor diet or seasonal shortages.
Fix this by offering cuttlebone or crushed oyster shell, balanced feed, and fresh greens.
3. Extreme Stress or Fear
Birds under threat may abandon or eat eggs to escape faster or avoid predators.
Do you have nests near loud areas, foot traffic, or aggressive pets? Predators like cats, rats, or snakes nearby? These all lead to a panicked response. The bird’s instinct is to eliminate the nest quickly, including eating eggs.
For tips on deterring unwanted birds or keeping nest areas safe, see our article on how to keep birds away from your house.
4. Overcrowding or Nesting Competition
In confined settings like chicken coops or birdhouses, crowding causes aggression. A stressed bird may lash out by eating eggs.
Reduce this by giving each bird enough space, offering separate nesting spots, and isolating aggressive individuals. Wild birds may also do this when other species invade their nest area.
5. Lack of Nesting Material
If the nest is unstable or uncomfortable, eggs might roll, crack, or get exposed. That can lead to accidental breakage or abandonment.
Give access to soft, clean nesting materials. In birdhouses, use dried leaves or natural fibres. Avoid synthetic stuffing, which can cause overheating or get tangled.
6. Inexperienced or Young Birds
First-time parents sometimes mess up. They don’t recognize the egg’s value or make mistakes during incubation. As they mature, this behavior usually fades.
But if it continues, it may point to poor health or failure of instinct. It’s more common in smaller species like budgies, especially in their first breeding seasons.
Providing occasional healthy snacks like nuts can enrich their diet and reduce bad habits. Check which nuts are safe for birds.
How to Stop Birds From Eating Eggs
You can’t always prevent it, but here’s what works:
- Improve diet: Offer high-protein feed and calcium-rich supplements
- Minimize stress: Keep nesting areas quiet and undisturbed
- Protect nests: Use secure birdhouses or coops
- Remove broken eggs quickly to stop habit formation
- Avoid frequent checks that disturb the nest
- Collect eggs regularly if you’re raising poultry
This is especially important for birds like chickens, pigeons, or parakeets in captivity. If wild birds are facing competition or territory disruption, this could lead to egg destruction. See tips on protecting your garden from invasive birds.
Is It Cannibalism?
No. Birds eating their eggs is instinct, not cannibalism. They’re not killing live chicks. It’s usually about survival, nutrition, or cleanliness. Crows are known nest-raiders and may consume other birds’ eggs if food is limited. Learn more about what crows like to eat
Final Thoughts
Birds eat their eggs for reasons that make sense to them. It’s not random, and it’s rarely cruel. If you’re seeing this behavior, take it as a signal. Check their food, space, safety, and stress levels. Fix the root cause and you’re likely to see improvement.