I have 31 RIRs that were hatched 4/7/08. I've been getting eggs for several weeks and am now getting 8-12 a day, so a about a third of the girls are laying. Today we had 11 eggs.
I've noticed that almost everyday at least one of the eggs will be broken. Usually just a small hole on the narrow end and cracked. I was afraid that I had a hen breaking them during the day, but tonight I found something.
It's like a small clump of shell that's really brittle. Are the hens breaking them trying to get it off? I would guess because it's a brittle spot it's breaking on its own as they roll it around sitting on it. They have had access to oyster shell for at least a month and have been on layer mash since just prior to starting to produce eggs.
What are these imperfections and how do I get them to go away? Am I missing something?
Thanks for your help,
Thom
I've noticed that almost everyday at least one of the eggs will be broken. Usually just a small hole on the narrow end and cracked. I was afraid that I had a hen breaking them during the day, but tonight I found something.
It's like a small clump of shell that's really brittle. Are the hens breaking them trying to get it off? I would guess because it's a brittle spot it's breaking on its own as they roll it around sitting on it. They have had access to oyster shell for at least a month and have been on layer mash since just prior to starting to produce eggs.
What are these imperfections and how do I get them to go away? Am I missing something?
Thanks for your help,
Thom
