Mysterious Egg

I wasn't going to post about this, but the health of all my girls takes priority and the mystery proved itself this morning.

My black australorp Tender is in the final stages of molt.

Yesterday, I received 3 eggs and one of them looked very much like an australorp egg (I can tell the difference between the eggs each girl lays).

The other 3 layers are are a Delaware, a Barred Rock, and a Red Star. My Red Star laid her egg this morning, less than 24 hours since I received the other 3.

My girls are fed Layer feed, free-range, and are also given alfalfa hay (for winter greens) and free-choice oyster shells. They are also given canned cat food or dry cat food once a week (free choice) to make sure they have plenty of protein.

Is it normal for an australorp to start laying in the final stages of molt? All of her feathers have grown back except for some pin feathers on her head and near her vent area.

Is the diet above enough to make sure she has enough nutrients to complete her molt and continue to lay? She's 2 years old and one tough girl

If she was nutritional challenged then she would not be laying any eggs. You are OK.

That is interesting. Out of my two year old girls, my Australorp was the only one that started laying before she finished her molt. She is still looking a little rough but is laying nearly everyday. Her eggs are quite obvious so I am sure they are hers. I have a couple of Easter Eggers that finished molting over two months ago and they are still not laying. I do love my little Australorp, she is so pretty and has a great personality.

Imachicklvr2 said:

That is interesting. Out of my two year old girls, my Australorp was the only one that started laying before she finished her molt. She is still looking a little rough but is laying nearly everyday. Her eggs are quite obvious so I am sure they are hers. I have a couple of Easter Eggers that finished molting over two months ago and they are still not laying. I do love my little Australorp, she is so pretty and has a great personality.

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Yeah, they are something special for sure A breed I will always have in my flock.

She hasn't laid again since that day I found the egg, but I'm glad someone else has had this experience. It scared me!