Eggs

[Bubba2134]

We have recently started collecting are bobwhite quail eggs and we have noticed that they have the white outer shell and the like a soft sac shell under it is this normal? They do not crack like a normal egg just break the white outer shell. Do I need to add something to there feed?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

@007Sean

 

[007Sean]

Short answer: that's normal. Long answer: The outside is 94 to 95% calcium carbonate with small amounts of magnesium carbonate and calcium phosphate an hundreds of other proteins. The last coating being put on the shell is the cuticle or 'bloom', a protective coating to help keep bacteria from entering the egg. The most important of these nanostructured carbonates is osteopontin.
Osteopontin is both on the outside and inside of the egg. It changes the crystalline structure of the calcium carbonate throughout the incubation process. The first phases allowing the egg shell structure to be 'crack' resistant. Later in the process it helps breakdown the crystalline structures so the embryo can breakthrough the inner membrane (internal pip) and later the external pip, which the enyzmes in the osteopontin change the structure once again, so the egg shell becomes thinner, allowing the chick's 'beak tooth' to penetrate the membrane and shell wall.

Sometimes the inner membrane has like a rubber consistency, this is the 'crack proof' properties of the osteopontin on the inside of the egg. This is noticed more readily in 'fresh' eggs versus eggs you get in the grocery store. Which crack easily beause the osteopontin has had time to react on the membrane and outer shell.

Sorry for the long explanation but there isn't a short answer to your question if you truely want to understand what you observed.
Also, the hen's health, protein and calcium intake influence the dynamics of the egg shell.

ETA - for auto correct

 

[Bubba2134]

Short answer: that's normal. Long answer: The outside is 94 to 95% calcium carbonate with small amounts of magnesium carbonate and calcium phosphate an hundreds of other proteins. The last coating being put on the shell is the cuticle or 'bloom', a protective coating to help keep bacteria from entering the egg. The most important of these nanostructured carbonates is osteopontin.
Osteopontin is both on the outside and inside of the egg. It changes the crystalline structure of the calcium carbonate throughout the incubation process. The first phases allowing the egg shell structure to be 'crack' resistant. Later in the process it helps breakdown the crystalline structures so the embryo can breakthrough the inner membrane (internal pip) and later the external pip, which the enyzmes in the osteopontin change the structure once again, so the egg shell becomes thinner, allowing the chick's 'beak tooth' to penetrate the membrane and shell wall.

Sometimes the inner membrane has like a rubber consistency, this is the 'crack proof' properties of the osteopontin on the inside of the egg. This is noticed more readily in 'fresh' eggs versus eggs you get in the grocery store. Which crack easily beause the osteopontin has had time to react on the membrane and outer shell.

Sorry for the long explanation but there isn't a short answer to your question if you truely want to understand what you observed.
Also, the hen's health, protein and calcium intake influence the dynamics of the egg shell.
View attachment 1718292

ETA - for auto correct

 

[Bubba2134]

Ok so when there laying and I’m collecting. What and where do I need to store them inte I get 10 days worth? Have u heard of people keeping eggs longer before putting them in the incubator? What temp do I need to keep them below so they don’t Activate?

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Ok so when there laying and I’m collecting. What and where do I need to store them inte I get 10 days worth? Have u heard of people keeping eggs longer before putting them in the incubator? What temp do I need to keep them below so they don’t Activate?

Eggs can be fertile for up to 2 weeks sometimes even more. But people usually hatch them earlier like Day 10 and under just to give it the best chance at life.