Odd eggs, of course

[maryhbrock]

All of my hens are in some state of molt, so I usually don't get worried about lack of production. But I have a Copper Marans, who when she arrived about a year ago, laid consistent, large, deep chocolate colored eggs. Earlier in the summer, they changed to a much lighter brown color, and started to feel rough. At the same time, we noticed that the membrane was hard to crack, and the the yolk was really tough, with very little albumen. Could the rough eggshell mean that air is getting through and dehydrating the egg contents? We always throw those eggs away after attempting to crack them. This started way before her molt. I'd love advice!

 

[Crazy Chicken Keeper]

It’s not air getting through the rough shell - that texture just shows something’s gone wrong inside her. It could be an infection, age catching up, or a vitamin or calcium issue. The tough yolk and thick membrane happen when her system isn’t forming eggs properly, not because they’ve dried out. I’d give her some calcium with vitamin D, keep an eye out for any odd “lash eggs,” and don’t use the ones that look or feel off. If it keeps happening after her molt, she’s probably finished laying. It could be damage from after laying a big double yolker too. How old is she?