[Liz M]

I need help stopping the hens pecking a hole in the eggs. Usually one a day. Because of the dark and dismale days at the moment they are laying at different times of the day, but always one has a large hole in it.  I have ensured this isn't an unwelcome visitor, so need to just stop them before they decide to do it to all the eggs. Any help would be appreciated.  They eat really well so aren't hungry.

[darkbrowneggs]

Hens often test the shell quality after laying by tapping them with their beak.  If your hens are just coming into, or going out of lay then shell quality may be poor.  You could try making sure they have access to limestone in some form ie oystershell grit, and also they need vitamins to help absorb the calcium so cod liver oil can give a boost.
 
Darkening the nest boxes by fixing a bit of old sacking or blanket half or 2/3 rds covering the next box entrance can help, or fitting rollaway nest boxes.  As you say once they beak punctures the actual egg and they get a taste they can become egg eaters.
 
Small holes can also be made by the claws on the toes, and the same remedies apply. 

[chrismahon]

I had exactly the same problem Liz M and followed DBE's advice. Worked a treat.

[Liz M]

Thanks for this..... all that and have found it was a Magpie!!!!!

[jaykay]

Cheeky b^*€$¥ things, corvids!