New Hen Laying Eggs w/o Shells

[bellaa]

Ok, so I am new to raising chickens, and over Memorial Weekend acquired 3 Australorp 13 week old pullets. The oldest and biggest hen (Madge) begun to lay eggs this week. On Monday morning, I found the remnants of a shell (looked like a deflated balloon) and some eggwhite in the coop. On Monday afternoon, she went into nest mode, and then laid only a small round yolk (bright yellow) without a shell. This morning, she laid what looked like a perfect egg, all yellow, thick membrane around the "egg" but still no shell. She has free choice feed of game laying pellets (18% protein), hen grit, oyster shell, and water. They get the run of my backyard (I live in town) which has no pesticides on the lawn. They eat all kinds of goodies, including grapes, and a handful of corn scratch out of my hands at least twice a day. She appears healthy, active and alert, not sick or down at all. I have large dogs, which don't bother the hens, and keep all the predators (racoon, possum, cats) away. All in all, an idealic chicken life.

Should I worry about this egg thing, or is she just figuring it all out and is her body making the change from pullet to laying hen? In other words, is this normal? Please advise!

 

[chickenfever]

Yes, this is normal. Can happen with newly laying pullets. As long as you're giving her what she needs in her diet, which it sounds like you are, you don't need to worry. Her body will work it all out eventually.

 

[Schultz]

Yes it is normal for young pullets to lay shell-less eggs. We have had it happen several times as well. Like chickenfever said and you have stated, proper dietary needs are key and she will work out the rest.

 

[vpeterson]

what about a hen that is older. My comet hen is 18 months old. She hurt her foot but recovered. She has since been laying eggs with very thin shells like a balloon. She breaks them open and eats them or has been dropping them from her roost before she goes outside in the morning. Is this hen headed for the stew pot?

 

[bellaa]

thanks for all the responses!