Eggs with no shells

[Godiva]

I tried posting on the egglaying forum but got no response on this... Three days last week there were abnormal eggs. I have no idea who laid them since I am not trap nesting... The first day there was an egg in the nesting box with an extremely thin shell which had broken and been partially eaten. THen the two following days there were eggs (not in the nesting boxes but on the floor) with no shell at all, only membrane. BOth were otherwise quite normal as far as I could tell. These birds have been laying for about 2 months now, we had quite a few double yolkers in the beginning - humungous eggs for first timers! Made me cringe just looking at them. Anyway, they are all looking healthy (though a few are rather worn from the roos attentions) They are cochins and BO They are eating layena, with kelp meal and DE added. They don't have access outside since I just had to confine everyone after a mould toxicosis ( I think) with other birds in the neighbouring run. This is the first year that we have a larger laying flock and I haven't dealt with this before. Is this stress related, nutrition based or even illness. I am wondering if there is anything I should do about this or will it resolve on its own? Yesterday no shell less eggs but there were three in a row with problem shells or nonexisting. THank you

 

[TaLani]

I'm new to the chicken keeping deal too, but in reading responses from weathered forum members, some suggestions may be as follows: have you noticed any abnormal droppings from your hens, are you giving them oyster shell, have the hens had any scares by predators, have you moved them to a different coop recently? Just some issues to ponder.

 

[Dora]

I'm not an expert, but the first thing anyone will ask is are they getting oyster shells? They need the calcium to properly form the egg shell. Also, a new layer may have a few soft eggs.

I had the same problem over the summer, but my 16 mos. old chicken was eating plenty of oyster shells. Her shells were at first very thin and brittle, then eventually just mushy. I asked around and was told that it was a problem with her dropping the egg before it was fully developed. I was told the condition would eventually go away, which it did in about three weeks.

Good luck!

 

[Godiva]

Thanks, I have plenty of oystershell available for them all and they are on layena which also has calcium... I am hoping it is just a glitch in her reproductive system that will straighten out soon. There are no signs of ill health with any of those birds that I can see.