Hello from Cape Cod :-}}}

[GotChickensYet]

I just came in from collecting the eggs, and this is definitely a first for me. I have had hens for 8 years and have never seen an egg like this. I have a pic but don't know how to attach it to this thread, so I will try to explain. The egg, normal large sized, is very soft to the touch and serms to have what looks like an umbilical cord attached, and doesn't seem to be creating a hard shell. Any ideas what causes this? Thanks for your help.

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

The umbilical looking thing, is it white? It could be the chalaza. It's what steadies the yolk. Do you mix oyster shell in your chickens feed? Oyster shell helps eggs stay strong. Also make sure they have full access to water all day!

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!

 

[GotChickensYet]

The entire egg including the "extension" is light brown. I don't feed oyster shells, I have never this problem before with this flock, they are 2 years old. They are fed an organic layer feed, enhanced with healthy kitchen scraps and occasional green grass and garden bugs.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[1muttsfan]

HI and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Even perfectly normal hens can occasionally lay a soft shell-less egg. If you see it happening more often, you may have a hen with a reproductive tract problem.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined.

 

[kidcody]

from washington state glad you joined us!

 

[GotChickensYet]

Thanks everyone for your welcomes to BYC, and help with my question.