Found: Broken "Rubbery" Egg. Assistance Please?

[MrsAuberry00]

When I went to clean the coop, I found this laying on the floor in the sand. It appears by the "crack" down on the intact part that it may have been pecked open or stepped on. I did not find any evidence of the egg's contents in the sand, but there was some yolk around the split in the intact portion. I mistakenly thought all my girls were laying, but one hadn't started based on her vent and she doesn't do "the squat" like the rest of the girls. Her face is bright red so I know she's close. Could this be her first attempt, and what should I watch for? I know I've read about this before and I tried doing several searches before posting, but the searches results I've gotten aren't usually very productive or helpful. Thanks in advance.

(Paper towel is wet because I rinsed the sand off the shell.)

 

[rIrs roost]

Could be her first or they need more calcium in their diet. It's a soft shell egg.

 

[Pork Pie]

Agreed, this link may be interesting -
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/common-egg-quality-problems

 

[MrsAuberry00]

Could be her first or they need more calcium in their diet. It's a soft shell egg.

I don't think it's calcium related...one of my girls laid an egg with extra shell bumps on the end. I posted a photo of it in a different thread but here it is again:


Most people said there that they may have too much calcium. All my other girls lay regular shelled eggs.

 

[MrsAuberry00]

Agreed, this link may be interesting -
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/common-egg-quality-problems

YES! This is the link I'd read. I'm thinking the cause, as quoted from the link is either:

- Immature shell gland;
OR
- Exposure to very high temperatures and/or very high or low humidity levels;

It's been very hot and EXTREMELY humid here in southern Indiana. I'm hoping it's Mrs. Patmore finally starting to lay...

 

[rIrs roost]

I don't think it's calcium related...one of my girls laid an egg with extra shell bumps on the end. I posted a photo of it in a different thread but here it is again:
View attachment 1076228

Most people said there that they may have too much calcium. All my other girls lay regular shelled eggs.

Out of 20ish hens of mine, there's 2 that sometimes lay eggs like in the pic. I also have 2 older hens that lay shelless eggs a lot. I think that the age factors in with those 2.

 

[MrsAuberry00]

Out of 20ish hens of mine, there's 2 that sometimes lay eggs like in the pic. I also have 2 older hens that lay shelless eggs a lot. I think that the age factors in with those 2.

I'm crossing my fingers that it's my holdout pullet's first attempt and that future attempts will be successful. I'd hate for Mrs. Patmore to develop a complex.

 

[rIrs roost]

I'm crossing my fingers that it's my holdout pullet's first attempt and that future attempts will be successful. I'd hate for Mrs. Patmore to develop a complex.

Being new layers that's probably all that it is. And the heat here is terrible so that's possibly a factor too.

 

[perchie.girl]

add to that, this can happen at any time.... first egg of the season as well.
Not necessarily a sign that your hens are having any problems...

deb