Is this normal?

[moniquem]

I have 4 chickens, 2 started laying eggs a few weeks ago the other two seem ready but....

I will occasionally find some soft shell eggs in the morning, under the roost. That has happened maybe 3 times. Today ,around 6pm, I actually found one that was laid in the open grass thats shell was paper thin and ripped so the egg and yolk spilled out.? The two, SS and BA, are squatting and seem very interested in the nests but nothing.

My question is, is this normal for new layers?

BTW they have been eating Purina Layena since 16 weeks old and I do offer them extra Purina oyster shell, although they don't eat it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Eggs without shells is normal as they start to lay. Dropping them from the roosts can be normal too. Generally stress causes the eggs to come out early before the shell can be applied which takes about 24 hours, of the 26 hours that it takes to make an egg.

Generally they get it right and everything gets regulated after about a month. Some can take much longer on occasion and some get it right from the start.

I'm sure new pullets are freaked out by the new sensations and probably cramping that they are feeling.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

It is not unusual for new layers to lay soft shelled eggs. Their system will work out the kinks. Keep offering oyster shell. They will eat it on their own time! Good luck!

 

[cmom]

I agree with the others, It's more common for new layers.

 

[moniquem]

Whew, okay. Thanks for all your feedback, I appreciate it. I want my little flock of 4 to be happy and healthy. They get to forage, peck around and roam the back yard all day!

 

[MROO]

It's probably just the adolescent-to-adult shift, but if they're not eating their grit, you may want to add a few options, just on general principal. A bit of chick grit and some ordinary yard dirt would give them other options.

 

[cmom]

Apparently no predators have found them yet.

 

[moniquem]

Apparently no predators have found them yet.

They are locked in their coop at night and we are home most days so no, no predators have gotten them yet. I live in city limits where there are not a lot of predators out in the day but I do know a skunk and raccoon have both visited at night......

 

[alexa009]

My new layers laid soft-shelled eggs the first few times they started producing. Definitely normal for at least the first week or two.

 

[aart]

I wouldn't say it's 'normal'.... but it's not uncommon.

Soft shells are often not laid in the nest because they don't 'feel' like hard shelled eggs,
especially to a new layer they might feel more like a poop. Soft shells can be harder for the contractions to move them, have seen a few birds standing around staring off into the distance for up to an hour, then dropping a softie and back to regular scheduled activities.

BTW they have been eating Purina Layena since 16 weeks old

What other foods/treats are you giving?