Humans aren’t the only animals that eat the eggs of other animals. In fact, there are several different species throughout the animal kingdom that will happily feast on the eggs of various animals, including the eggs in your chicken coop. Let’s take a look at some of the animals that eat eggs.
11 Animals That Eat Eggs
Animals that eat eggs are known as ovivores and can be found on land, as well as in the sky. Keep reading to learn more about these egg-stealing creatures.
1. Skunks
Scientific Name: Mephitidae
Most people know that, when they see a skunk, they should steer clear of these stinky creatures. Skunks may seem rather harmless and even cute, but they can release a foul-smelling liquid that can be extremely difficult to get rid of.
Skunks are also not picky about whose eggs they steal. If given the opportunity, skunks will eat the eggs of chickens, turtles, snacks, and nesting birds.
2. Snakes
Scientific Name: Serpentes
Snakes may be some of the most well-known egg snatching creatures, causing chaos in chicken coops around the world. But they don’t just steal the eggs from chickens.
Snakes also consume the eggs of other birds, insects, fish, and even other reptiles. The snake will open its flexible jaw to consume the egg whole.
3. Rats
Scientific Name: Rattus
Rats will eat just about anything, including the eggs of other animals. In fact, rats are a common problem in chicken coops, stealing the eggs from the hens.
They can even hurt the chickens during their caper. With that said, however, birds that lay smaller eggs, such as robins, are more likely to be targeted by rats than larger bird eggs.
4. Raccoons
Scientific Name: Procyon lotor
Raccoons have a vast diet, consisting of just about anything they can get their little paws on, including bird eggs. But raccoons don’t just stop there. They will also snatch turtle eggs if they come across them.
5. Opossums
Scientific Name: Didelphidae
Eggs are not the first choice of food for opossums, but that doesn’t mean they won’t grab one if nothing else is available. They have been known to raid the nests of various birds, eating the eggs and even the smaller chicks.
6. Foxes
Scientific Name: Vulpes vulpes
Foxes are notorious for getting into chicken coops and stealing eggs. In fact, the old saying “fox guarding the hen house” was’t just made up for no reason. Not only will these sly creatures consume as many eggs as possible, but they can also kill and eat the chickens as well.
Foxes generally won’t consume the egg where they stole it from, and will instead take it away from the nest. They will then either bury it to save for later, or consume it by crushing the entire egg in its mouth.
7. Crows
Scientific Name: Corvus
Crows are extremely intelligent birds that won’t shy away from consuming the eggs of other birds. These large birds are opportunistic hunters, and will snatch up an easy meal if one comes along. While crows won’t make their way into chicken coops and steal the eggs, they may grab any eggs that are laid out in the open.
8. Coyotes
Scientific Name: Canis latrans
It is not uncommon for coyotes to consume the eggs of animals. These members of the canine family feed on a wide array of items, including mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals.
This is what their diet mainly consists of. They will, however, also consume eggs, fruits, insects, birds, fish, and even vegetables.
9. Blue Jays
Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
Like crows, blue jays are opportunistic and will consume the eggs of other birds. However, eggs are not their first choice, and they would much rather feed on nuts, seeds, and insects.
10. Weasels
Scientific Name: Mustela
Weasels are well known for their ability to sneak into coops and steal the eggs from chickens. They will also steal the eggs from other animals as well if the opportunity arises. Weasels have slender bodies paired with a cunning attitude, which makes them clever thieves.
11. Bobcats
Scientific Name: Lynx rufus
Sometimes called a lynx, bobcats are medium-sized felines that are much larger than a house cat, but not as large as a mountain lion. They can weigh up to 40 pounds and possess large paws on long legs and a short body.
Bobcats commonly consume rabbits, rats, and squirrels, and occasionally they will eat chickens. They will also eat the eggs of reptilians, including python eggs.
