Broken Eggs

[Captain Coop]

Hello,

I have 4 hens and I started getting my first eggs 3-4 days ago. The last three mornings when I go out to the coop to collect the eggs, there is always one broken/smashed on the coop floor under their perch (lower perch but still broken). I have placed fake eggs in the nesting boxes which seems to have helped the others, but one of them continues to lay her egg from a height. Any other suggestions or links to previous forums regarding this? It is getting frustrating! Thank you.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

one of them continues to lay her egg from a height. Any other suggestions or links to previous forums regarding this?

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

If the egg under the perch is happening during the night it is simply a new layer hiccup and the egg is not coming at the right time.

If the shell is still soft-ish, it may be mistaken as a poo by the offending pullet and once shells harden up completely should find themselves in the lay box automatically.

Eggs should be collected after everyone laid that day to prevent overnight egg thieves.. Morning is awesome if your ladies are all finished laying that early!

Since they are described as new layers, hiccup is my truest answer after raising literally hundreds of birds. Give it time and be patient. I don't think you need to change anything.. presuming you're feeding a balanced ration with enough calcium either added or on the side free choice.

Congrats on your first eggs!

 

[Captain Coop]

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

If the egg under the perch is happening during the night it is simply a new layer hiccup and the egg is not coming at the right time.

If the shell is still soft-ish, it may be mistaken as a poo by the offending pullet and once shells harden up completely should find themselves in the lay box automatically.

Eggs should be collected after everyone laid that day to prevent overnight egg thieves.. Morning is awesome if your ladies are all finished laying that early!

Since they are described as new layers, hiccup is my truest answer after raising literally hundreds of birds. Give it time and be patient. I don't think you need to change anything.. presuming you're feeding a balanced ration with enough calcium either added or on the side free choice.

Congrats on your first eggs!

The shell does seem to be fairly soft so I'm glad you mentioned that. I will give it some more time and I got them some new feed with oyster shells to help with shell hardness. Thank you for your input!