crusty eggs

[drobbins]

Hi Folks

I got some cochins last fall and they're beginning to lay
some of the eggs have this hard crusty stuff on the shell, almost like really course sandpaper
what is this, calcium or something? it looks painfull
I'm guessing a dietary thing, they're getting commercial layer pellets and what few bugs they can freerange this time of year
my wife washed it off the eggs we have so I can't get a pic, will get one next time they lay one

Dave

 

[tiki244]

I was going to say calcium deposits but I dont think you can wash that off. How thick are the shells?

 

[silkiechicken]

Sometimes there is a bit of extra on the shell that get's deposited along with the layer of protective coating that are left on the eggs. Really you don't have to wash it since that layer you are washing off, is washing off the protective coat on the egg that keeps bacteria out.

 

[drobbins]

hmm
one was soaking in water in the kitchen
here's a pic, it's still kinda wet

http://www.drobbins.net/dsc00717.jpg

it won't wipe off but you can scrape it off pretty easy

Dave

 

[MissPrissy]

Nice shot. It is just extra shell material. The egg is fine.

 

[drobbins]

I knew the egg was fine but I was worried about a dietary issue
so you say "don't worry about it" ?
works for me as long as other folks see the same thing
never saw it with other breeds of bird I had before but I'm still a relative rookie

Dave

 

[MissPrissy]

You will see all sorts of weird things in your days raising chickens. I can promise that. LOL

 

[newnanchic]

I get that every now and then from my EE chickens too..

 

[drobbins]

I'm guessing you mean easter eggers
I had some a while back before the big "raccoon debacle"

I never saw this with them
also have had silkies, OEG's and RIR's
oh well, just thought it might be a diet thing
you folks have cured my concernes

thanks
Dave

 

[dlhunicorn]

This article will answer most questions you have:
http://www.livestocktrail.uiuc.edu/poultrynet/paperDisplay.cfm?Type=currentTopic&ContentID=522