egglaying

[PastorLarry]

I have a chicken that just laid an egg without a shell. It wasn't laid in nest but on top of nesting box. What causing a chicken to lay an egg without a shell?

 

[sumi]

- Immature shell gland (often seen with young layers that still needs to practice a bit);

- Nutritional deficiencies. Usually lack of calcium and vitamins E, B12 and D as well as phosphorous and selenium in the hen's diet;

- Certain diseases, such as Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, avian influenza, egg drop syndrome (only in certain countries, far as I know, it's not a problem in the USA);

- Exposure to very high temperatures and extremely high or low humidity levels, especially if it's a sudden change in the weather;

- An infestation of internal or external parasites, such as worms, mites or lice;

- Stress or a fright prompting the hen to lay an egg prematurely, before the shell is formed;

- Egg laying while molting;

- Exposure to toxins, such as mold, fungi, bacteria.