Behavioural issue What is it Broodiness When a hen insists on sitting on the eggs hoping they will hatch (fertilized or not). Broody hens occupy the nest for extended periods of time, thereby preventing other hens from laying. Egg eating When a chicken breaks and eats an egg and develops a liking to it. It often starts as an accidental exposure to a broken egg, which leads to curious pecking and a liking to it A chicken may also eat egg shells if deficient in calcium. Feathering, pecking and cannibalism This vice usually results from overcrowding, lack of drinking and feeding space, idleness and poor living conditions. TABLE 2: BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS PART 4 KEEPING YOUR HOME FLOCK HEALTHY 44 | THE CHOOK BOOK