Egg eating or health problem?

[Sg4]

My RIR is a year old and a great egg producer. Since she started laying, I consistently get one egg a day from her. It's now been 3 days in a row with no eggs. Her last 2 eggs she layer had these dark spots. I'm familiar with speckled eggs, calcium deposits, etc. But this seemed different. It's been very hot this summer so I thought maybe heat stress has something to do with the spots. And possibly lack of production. But the past two days have been much cooler, and still no eggs. Is this a health issue I should be concerned about, or is it possible I have an egg eater? I hate to think of either! She has been eating, drinking, and acting normally. Thanks in advance!!

 

[HuskerHens18]

To know for sure, you could isolate her for one or two days to see if she lays? If she's eating her own eggs it should leave a mess.

 

[Alexandra33]

Is it possible she's about to molt? Or perhaps your girl is simply taking a break in this smoldering heat?

A few members of my flock have ceased production out of nowhere, for no apparent reason, as well. An egg-eater is usually pretty obvious, as there's usually residual yolk left behind as evidence (and on their little faces).

~Alex

 

[Sg4]

Is it possible she's about to molt? Or perhaps your girl is simply taking a break in this smoldering heat?

A few members of my flock have ceased production out of nowhere, for no apparent reason, as well. An egg-eater is usually pretty obvious, as there's usually residual yolk left behind as evidence (and on their little faces).

~Alex

My initial thought was heat as well. We had 2 straight weeks of 90+ degree weather. I wouldn't blame her for taking a rest! I haven't noticed any yolk left behind, but I will keep an eye out.

 

[aart]

My RIR is a year old

....meaning hatched in spring of 2017?
If so she's maybe about 16-18 months old?
Prime time for first adult molt, if you live in the northerner hemisphere.
That looks like a thin spot in the shell formation, break open egg to be sure. Funky eggs happen as they ramp down production prior to molt.

Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!