New Layer-Only Shell Less Eggs- Worried

[micstrachan]

So my (mixed flock) pullets are coming into lay. So cute! One of my kast year's girls had egg yolk peritonitis after some soft eggs, and recently passed from a respiratory infection, so I'm pretty alert to egg laying issues. My light Brahma laid ONE egg with a very thin shell. Her first. Since then, I'm pretty sure she has dropped four eggs without shells. Pretty worriedshe's headed toward being aninternal layer. Or can her body still work things iut? Is it normal for such a high ratio of soft eggs from a new layer? The ither girls are fine. Wondrring if it has to do with her large size and rapid growth? Taxing on her calcium? I just really don't want another beloved chicken going through egg yolk peritonitis.

 

[junebuggena]

It's completely normal for new layers to lay shell-less eggs. It's even normal for a new layer to drop several in a day. It has nothing to do with calcium intake. It just means that she needs a bit more time for all the parts of the egg laying system to fully mature.

 

[micstrachan]

Oh, good. I knew it was normal, but wasn't sure if THIS MANY is normal. My girl who had egg yolk peritonitis had a few soft eggs when things started going haywire.

 

[KentuckyRooster]

Somebody in my group is doing this too. Try not to worry. I think it's normal especially in the BIG breeds. I am pretty sure my guilty party is a turken.

 

[Bhapimama]

Somebody in my group is doing this too. Try not to worry. I think it's normal especially in the BIG breeds. I am pretty sure my guilty party is a turken.

What is a "turken"? Lol

 

[aart]

What is a "turken"? Lol

This

Oh, good. I knew it was normal, but wasn't sure if THIS MANY is normal.

Frustrating, I know...have had a few who did that, hang in there.
What and how exactly are you feeding?

 

[Bhapimama]

This
Wow!
Frustrating, I know...have had a few who did that, hang in there.
What and how exactly are you feeding?

 

[Tlmcq]

If she is getting the proper amount of oyster shell (calcium) this will work itself out. Not an uncommon issue with new layers. My guinea fowl and one chicken both had hiccups like this including one that laid double yolkers for months. All is well and good with each of them now.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Can stunted growth and a lack of food at a young age cause a pullet not to lay even if they are getting a steady diet now? And shouldn't my Australorp pullet hatched in April be laying by now?

 

[Tlmcq]

She may lay later but should eventually lay after catching up. And it can be 20 to 24 weeks before they start to lay depending on the individual. Give her time. Some heavy producers will lay earlier but as a guideline about 18 to 22 weeks give or take.