Eggs with no shells (new layers)

[kambrydlynn]

I was literally getting on here to post about this same question with my new layers! Glad to know I’m not alone lol

Is it also hot where you are?

 

[CabritaChicks]

It has been between 90-100 degrees here since they started laying. Is that hot enough to stress them? The flock all seem to be perfectly healthy.

That totally makes sense—and you're not alone! Many hens will lay a wonky egg one day and then go back to laying perfect ones like nothing happened. Heat stress, minor nutrient gaps, or even a hormonal hiccup can all play a role, especially in this West Texas sauna you’re dealing with (90–100°F? like me... it can be rough). Do the hens in question have small combs?

Your treat setup sounds pretty solid—black soldier fly larvae are a great protein and phosphorus source, I would eliminate the yogurt- birds are lactose intolerant- no matter what tick-tok tells you. Just watch the fruit sugars, especially during heat waves, since they can ferment faster and potentially mess with gut balance. I use watermelon rinds (not the entire watermelon) refrigerated, and often put a little 'pultry cell' smeared on top while they free range.

As for oyster shell vs. eggshells—they both provide calcium, but oyster shell is more reliable because:

• It's more consistent in particle size, so hens can self-regulate better
• It's less likely to carry pathogens if stored properly
• It doesn't create any subtle behavioral reinforcement around egg-eating

Crushed eggshells can still be used (cleaned and microwaved first!), but I’d treat them more as a backup than a primary source as they dont provide grit for grinding plates liek the chickens want.

If you’re still seeing odd eggs pop up once in a while, no panic—just keep an eye on hydration, mineral intake, and stress triggers like heat or flock changes. You’re clearly paying attention, which is 90% of the game.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Here is a breakdown for calcium- but it is likely phosphorus imbalance.

 

[kambrydlynn]

That totally makes sense—and you're not alone! Many hens will lay a wonky egg one day and then go back to laying perfect ones like nothing happened. Heat stress, minor nutrient gaps, or even a hormonal hiccup can all play a role, especially in this West Texas sauna you’re dealing with (90–100°F? like me... it can be rough). Do the hens in question have small combs?

Your treat setup sounds pretty solid—black soldier fly larvae are a great protein and phosphorus source, I would eliminate the yogurt- birds are lactose intolerant- no matter what tick-tok tells you. Just watch the fruit sugars, especially during heat waves, since they can ferment faster and potentially mess with gut balance. I use watermelon rinds (not the entire watermelon) refrigerated, and often put a little 'pultry cell' smeared on top while they free range.

As for oyster shell vs. eggshells—they both provide calcium, but oyster shell is more reliable because:

• It's more consistent in particle size, so hens can self-regulate better
• It's less likely to carry pathogens if stored properly
• It doesn't create any subtle behavioral reinforcement around egg-eating

Crushed eggshells can still be used (cleaned and microwaved first!), but I’d treat them more as a backup than a primary source as they dont provide grit for grinding plates liek the chickens want.

If you’re still seeing odd eggs pop up once in a while, no panic—just keep an eye on hydration, mineral intake, and stress triggers like heat or flock changes. You’re clearly paying attention, which is 90% of the game.

At least one of them has a pea comb, she’s an Easter Egger. The other girls have pretty standard and larger combs. I will eliminate the yogurt, I had no idea. I limit their fruit and I will be giving them more rind. I have a ton of watermelon rind in the freezer to thaw and put out on hot days. For the egg shells they are washed and baked in the oven to dry them out and sterilize them. I will be looking for smaller sized pieces of oyster shell for my girls. Thank you!

 

[kambrydlynn]

Here is a breakdown for calcium- but it is likely phosphorus imbalance.
View attachment 4186696

Thank you for this!

 

[CabritaChicks]

At least one of them has a pea comb, she’s an Easter Egger. The other girls have pretty standard and larger combs. I will eliminate the yogurt, I had no idea. I limit their fruit and I will be giving them more rind. I have a ton of watermelon rind in the freezer to thaw and put out on hot days. For the egg shells they are washed and baked in the oven to dry them out and sterilize them. I will be looking for smaller sized pieces of oyster shell for my girls. Thank you!

Smaller size? Hit hem with hammer if you must

 

[C Siena]

Ours are on mixed layer and starter, so they have about 18% protein, and OS/ES on the side. Realize that when you give treats, and most of us do, that the fruits/veggies can lower the protein.

Ours did not take to the OS right away as most of the larger pieces were left. I began to break the larger chunks with a hammer and mixed with ES. Now after 3+ weeks, they are eating more of the OS, even a few larger chunks.

Depending on the breed, free range time, heat etc, it can change the laying. We have not noticed much difference but we are surrounded by trees, which makes it a bit cooler and they free range all day every day.

 

[kambrydlynn]

Smaller size? Hit hem with hammer if you must

I was looking for flaked oyster shell and all I can find around me is crushed. I tried the hammer. I will keep hunting.

 

[CabritaChicks]

I was looking for flaked oyster shell and all I can find around me is crushed. I tried the hammer. I will keep hunting.

Oyster flakes when broken (as it is in layers). Is there a reason you need flaked? Special needs chickens?

 

[Rooski456]

Is it also hot where you are?

It is in the 90s here the last week or so, so definitely hot for the area (KY). I am from west Texas so definitely not the heat you’re dealing with lol. Mine is only one who is having this issue, and she’s only been laying 3 weeks. But she will have a perfect egg, then a soft egg or two, then perfect eggs for 3 days and another soft. It’s very sporadic laying but enough that I’ve learned who is doing it and when.