Egg shells to thick

[beginnerchick08]

My egg shells are very thick and hard to crack. I'm not feeding them calcium or I would take that out of there diet, all I'm feeding them is laying pellets and scratch once or twice a day. How do I make my shells thinner so it is easier to crack?

 

[starforever61]

That is so weird! Maybe your pellets/mash is too calcium rich and you should probably switch to a cheaper brand that doesn't have as much calcium. I've never heard of an egg that was too hard! lol I hope this helps!

 

[consdrs]

I would think that unless you need a hammer to get it open I would not worry about thick shells. most ppl have exactly the opposite problem. I would keep oyster shell out for them, they self regulate their intake. wish I had this problem! some of mine are so thin they crack when laid.

 

[Judy]

Be careful what you wish for, you might get it!

I believe these fresh eggs have thicker shells than store bought, or at least harder. Just have to learn a bit firmer technique to crack them.

 

[cmom]

My birds eggs shells are fairly hard. I break them open in a small dish and hopefully no bits of shell.

 

[underground chickenman]

My shells are much harder than grocery store eggs, but still crackable. The membrane is also tougher. Even after the shell cracks, I sometimes have to push by thumbs through the membrane to break open the egg. I have always consider this a sign of good nutrition and freshness. I'd like to go on thinking that, so please reconsider if you are about to burst my bubble. ;-)

UGCM

 

[consdrs]

I have always consider this a sign of good nutrition and freshness.

Yep, good nutrition and freshness.

smacking them on a flat surface and not on an edge will get better results with fewer shell bits.

Connie​

 

[beginnerchick08]

ok thanks! It was just weird bc we have never had fresh eggs before.

 

[trilyn]

Hahaha, I remember my first experience with fresh free-range eggs, it was unbelievable! I couldn't believe the difference between those and store bought: hard shells, tough membrane and beautiful orange yolks and a firm white. Loved it, and couldn't (can't) wait for my girls to grow up and start laying! Any day now!!!

Enjoy your eggs!

 

[zoomia]

I'm pretty new to this whole chicken adventure. I'd noticed that the shells and membranes were tougher too, but had chalked it up to healthier hens.