Hello, I am new to BYC. These are my first two chickens. I have one Plymouth Rock and one Orpington. They just started laying eggs on the first of January and are around 8 - 9 months old. The Orpington is fairly regular now laying nearly every other day. The Plymouth Rock however has been having issues. I have found several eggs without a shell in the coop. One was found yesterday with a tail on it!!! Below is an image of the egg. I read this may happen when they start to lay but have not heard of too many cases with a tail. Should I be concerned or do anything to prevent this? There have been different colored eggs with shells in the coop so I know she is capable. Thanks, Rob
i have had soft shelled eggs before, but never a tail. i would think it is fine if she has laid eggs before. i am not expert, just thought i would acknowledge your post.
I am fairly certain you have nothing to worry about. My girls had a few like that in the beginning. Not with a tail but soft and clear looking. They eventually got it rite. Are you feeding oyster shell? If not I don't think it would hurt to add some. You can mix it with their food or give it separate. That's what I do I just have a box I made and always keep it full. Good luck.
Are you giving oyster shell for extra calcium? My hen started laying fine but then laid eggs like yours because I wasn't giving enough calcium. They need extra to get strong shells.
Hey Rob, Welcome to BYC. Eggs come in all shapes and sizes. Young pullets have given us some very strange eggs, some with tails and no shell and even one that had 2 eggs that were connected and had no shell. It sounds like their system is just trying to work out all the kinks and should be nothing to worry about. Just make sure you offer them oyster shell to supplement their diet and the kinks should work themselves out.
We had one egg that looked similar to that without the tail. The other eggs have been fine. I think sometimes the eggs just don't form properly or something just happens. if your other eggs have been fine, then I would think you have nothing to worry about. Maybe others will answer.
