help - rubbery egg shaped membranes, empty, in run

[joletabey]

I did a search, but am not finding a definitive answer. I have found three of these things in the run this last week- it looks like an egg shaped thick membrane- torn up and empty - I think the chickens have scratched them open, but they are not sticky and there does not appear to be yolk residue. I have 8 young pullets who have just started laying. They get oyster shell mixed with some scratch several days a week as a treat- and they are on Purina Layena. Do I need to keep oyster shell out constantly? Will this clear up, or do I need to figure out who is doing it and worry?

 

[Opa]

It sounds like you have some pullets that are just getting started and haven't gotten all the bugs worked out of this egg laying business. Shell-less eggs are quite common and you aren't likely to find any yolk residue. I keep oyster shell available for the hens to free feed at all times.

 

[joletabey]

Thanks, Opa... I appreciate the help! I'll keep oyster shell out 24/7.

 

[trunkman]

I just found a shell-less egg by the coop about 5 minutes ago, my hens are a bit over a year old, I feed them layer pellets and cracked corn and mix oyster shell in with every bucket of feed I keep handy. So I wouldn't worry about it unless all you get is soft shelled eggs. Also if they are just starting to lay give them some time and you will get less of them as time goes by..