Is This Normal???

[ZANEYchickenguy]

Ok so my Rhode Island Red laid her first egg 4 days ago and it was hard-shelled. For the next 3 days, she lays a soft shelled egg on the floor of the coop. Based on how developed she looks compared to her sister, I think was the same one who did this. Why did she lay a soft-shelled egg, even though she laid a hard-shelled one at first? I am feeding her a layer feed with an oyster shell and grit on the side.

 

[wamtazlady]

It takes awhile for their plumbing to figure it all out on a regular basis. After a couple months they get it all straightened out. Getting soft shelled eggs is not unusual for a young hen. The answer to your why question is that is just happens. Soft shelled eggs happen most often with young or old hens, however, it can occasionally happen with a hen that is in her prime. Make sure you are offering oyster shell on the side so the pullet can eat some if she feels the need for more calcium.

 

[ZANEYchickenguy]

Getting soft shelled eggs is not unusual for a young hen

That's good to know!

 

[cmom]

Working out the kinks.