1 in 3 eggs have cracks in them...

[helorugger]

So, my girls started laying and I am getting 2-3 eggs a day but I am concerned at the number of cracked shells. None have been completely broken and the membrane has been in tact but I am wondering if there is something I should be doing to prevent these small cracks.

They are eating a layer pellet and I keep some oyster shell available to them. The shells are thick, much thicker than grocery store eggs.

Does anyone know why this is happening?

 

[gailmaison]

I'm guessing it's because they are just starting to lay....things should get better...expect some soft or wrinkly but hard shells from time to time also

 

[aart]

Where are they laying.....in a nest with sufficient straw or hay or shavings to cushion the eggs?

 

[helorugger]

I have several nesting boxes set up but they seem to prefer the floor for laying. I keep about 3 inches of wood shavings on every flat surface and have been using plastic eggs to encourage them to use the boxes, but they really like one corner of the coop.