Coturnix eggs have white film - normal?

[kristenm1975]

My quail just started laying this week and about a third of all the eggs I'm gathering have a chalky white film and spots on top of the usual cream with brown splotches. It doesn't wipe off. I'm wondering if this is an indication of deficiency or just normal deviation.

The birds are on 28% protein diet, are given oyster shell, grit, alfalfa hay, fresh greens, kelp and fresh water with ACV and probiotics.

 

[dc3085]

It is caused by the hen's ovaduct attempting to paint the egg a second time. Hens can choose to retain the egg and wait to lay it if something scares or stresses them. When this happens though the ovaduct will almost always repaint it. Pure white eggs are caused by the same thing. It's normal and nothing to worry about.

 

[kristenm1975]

That's fascinating!! Thank you so much for the response! So, if for example, my quail have a nighttime visit from a raccoon, peering into their cage, I might expect a higher number of white-filmed eggs over the next few days? Very, very interesting! I'll keep my eyes on that. The ladies might like a little security shade at night.

 

[jlmissouri]

I have seen this myself at times and didn't know what caused it. Good to know, thanks