Hen Quit Laying After Laying Egg withou a Shell

[JohnHenry]

I have two, 2 year old Golden Comets and 9, four month old Barred Rocks. A couple weeks ago one of my Golden Comets layed and egg without a shell, at least I think it was an egg. From that day on, I only get one egg from my two hens (use to get two eggs) and I'm sure one has quit laying. Is there any explanation for this? I thought maybe the stress from introducing the 9 Barred Rocks to the group or maybe a nutrition problem because they all now eat Flock Raiser instead of the Layer feed. I do provide free eat oyster shells but it doesnt appear my laying hens are eating any.

Is it possible the gooey mess I thought was and egg was actually some female plumbing? Other than not laying she seems fine.

Thanks,

 

[Erica]

I have two, 2 year old Golden Comets and 9, four month old Barred Rocks. A couple weeks ago one of my Golden Comets layed and egg without a shell, at least I think it was an egg. From that day on, I only get one egg from my two hens (use to get two eggs) and I'm sure one has quit laying. Is there any explanation for this? I thought maybe the stress from introducing the 9 Barred Rocks to the group or maybe a nutrition problem because they all now eat Flock Raiser instead of the Layer feed. I do provide free eat oyster shells but it doesnt appear my laying hens are eating any.

Is it possible the gooey mess I thought was and egg was actually some female plumbing? Other than not laying she seems fine.

Thanks,

Hi JohnHenry,
She might have decided to quit for a moult (to replace feathers). The soft egg could just be the tail end of her laying season. If her comb is pale and her pelvic bones (below the tail) are less than 2 finger widths apart then this is most likely what's going on.

However if the soft shelled egg was just one of many she's been laying internally then it's a different issue. In that case she may still have the bright comb (or may not). Internal lay can be deadly due to infection.

If she's laying internally the symptoms are occasional slimy droppings, muck at the rear end, and a gradual listlessness, tail down, and other signs of pain (as well as there being no proper eggs laid). Over time with internal lay infection sets in (if it isn't corrected) and then it's a very bad condition. I must say I put birds down if they get to this point.

Extra calcium can help if it's a soft shell (internal lay) issue. Also vitamin D if she's not getting much sunlight. Your hens may have not realised the shell grit is for their eggshells yet, so perhaps you could add a little extra to their feed to start with.

The best thing for internal lay in any case is to force a moult by isolating her in a dim spot and feeding her low protein feed only (like basic wheat) for about a week. That would give her insides a chance to heal if there's a mild infection there.

But that's all a bit too much info if it's just moulting anyway... If so, you'd see lots of feathers near the roost.

Best wishes either way,
Erica