chicken(s) laying eggs covered with yolk or yolk-like slimy goo

[reason17]

I have five chickens that we raised from chicks a year ago--two Americaunas, a Rhode Island Red, a Barred Rock and a Golden Sex Link. Sometimes I find one or more egg with the shell coated in what seems like yolk. If we wash the egg and use it, it's fine inside. Does anyone know why this happens? Are my chickens okay?

 

[Judy]

When it happens here, it's because an egg has gotten broken, and the contents smeared around, probably in the process of the hens trying to eat those contents.

 

[reason17]

Thanks for your reply! There are no broken eggs when this happens. And the shells are completely coated--like there was a broken egg inside the chicken and the new egg passed through it. Very weird. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!!

 

[aart]

Can you post a well lighted pic of the 'yolk goo coated' egg in question?

If an egg breaks and the chickens eat it, there is usually nothing left to show but maybe a wet spot....or yolk/white on other eggs, they will consume the entire egg shell and all. An egg may have broken by a hen stepping on it, which makes it fair game for them to eat.... or you might have an egg eater who purposely pecks the egg open to eat it.

 

[Judy]

I agree, mine always eat the shell as well as the egg. Also, if something like a weasel or chicken snake can get in ther to eat the eggs, it will also eat the whole thing. Snakes try to swallow them whole, though.

I have one girl who lays a fairly thin shell which is easily broken, which is apparent when I manage to get it in the hosue whole. I never find pieces of that shell, either.