Can a pullet lay just a membrane?

[2ndTink]

I have found two dried up thin shells or membranes in the coop under the roost over the last week and what looks like part of a thin empty shell in the yard today. Is this normal for a pullet? I have 4 golden comets laying normal eggs daily that are about 26 weeks and 2 Australorps that are 20 weeks with 2 eggs between them in the last 3 days. I did only get 3 eggs today from the Golden comets and none from the black pullets.

Since the black pullets are the only ones who roost I'm pretty sure the dried up membrane things I found were from them.

They are all on layer feed and free range 7 to 10 hours a day. Treats include either a sprinkle of dried grubbies, a tomato, a banana, and who knows how many fallen pears, but they really haven't seemed that interested in those.

No one is acting off, they are all going about the yard scratching and eating and hanging out.

Any ideas on what is going on?

Thanks!

 

[Aapomp831]

It is normal when a hen first starts laying to produce some wonky eggs. Their bodies are still getting used to the changes. You might want to try putting out some free choice oyster shells; any hen lacking in calcium will gobble them up. Or feed them crushed egg shells. But I wouldn’t worry too much... we still get an occasional wonky egg from our 3 year old hens.

 

[Es_In_Miami]

We got an egg inside an egg once. It was enormous! Poor girl. It was a disturbing sight but not something to be alarmed over.

The soft shelled eggs you found likely broke and dried up. It happens quickly. Don't stress it unless it becomes the norm. Then you have a problem. Like the prior post said -- calcium.

 

[2ndTink]

Thanks, I'll get some oyster shell for them. So far all the whole eggs have been well shelled. I'll keep an eye out for more empty casings, hopefully it is just from them being young.

 

[2ndTink]

Well, no odd empty shells in the last week and I've gotten a couple little pullet eggs too!

 

[Es_In_Miami]

Yaya!!! So exciting and scary when they start laying. Clearly we are not all raising production birds ; ) Enjoy those birds!

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

I’m expecting our first eggs in a few weeks. I put the oyster shells out already. I figure if the hens need calcium they will eat them.