Forming Eggs

[Sadie57]

I've had my hens for a yr. and a half now, so it seems kinda silly to be asking this. BUT, is the egg soft when first layed and then hardens? Also, if feathers are "picked" do they come back?

 

[mk4lh]

I've never had an egg be soft and then harden as it sets. Usually there is a moist covering (bloom) on the egg when it's first laid and it evaporates quickly, but all my eggs, unless laid shell-less has been hard right out the chute. Not sure about the feather question, but I would guess that after a molt they would have all their feathers again.