Don't look if you're squeamish - Bizarre egg with...chick formation??

[Their gram]

I have had hens for years, but have never seen anything like this egg with what appears to be a partial chick formation extending from the shell. It is actually part of the shell. When I cracked it open, there was nothing inside but a regular yolk and white. Nothing extending inwardly from the shell at the point where the head and neck are protruding on the outside.

 

[Eggcessive]

That looks like just a mistake in the egg laying process, common in many hens. The protrusion you see is egg membrane. If this happens more or you see other weird eggs, your hen might have problems with internal laying, but I wouldn't worry if this is the only one she lays. Here is a good article about the egg laying process: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/common-egg-quality-problems.65923/

 

[MonicaWA]

Oh, that is just Frankie. He has a skin condition.

 

[MonicaWA]

Or his Uncle Bert

 

[Their gram]

Today I approached the nesting boxes, blood pounding in my ears, sweat breaking out across my forehead, knees wobbling...and...found...that she had laid a perfectly normal egg! WHEW!! =)

 

[ChicKat]

Yes, it is membrane that is forming outside the shell from the looks of it. Hopefully it's a one time thing and your hen will be just fine.

 

[Their gram]

Welcome to BYC! can you cut it in half and take a picture?

Cut the blob in half? (shiver) Sadly I tossed it in the septic field and I'm sure fire ants have consumed it, but I did break the shell open before doing that, expecting body parts.

..there is nothing inside but a regular yolk and white - well, a blood spot...

 

[MonicaWA]

Just used Paint. I am not much of an artist, but I could not resist! LOL Thanks for sharing that image with us! I have never had one that looked anything like that.

 

[Their gram]

I think I am going to go make myself a tequila sunrise and try to forget all about this horrific experience...I'm scared to go open the nesting boxes now.

 

[mymilliefleur]

Theres no chick there....Just membrane.