Paper thin egg

[Gary palmer]

Tonight when I went to collect eggs, I found 1 that was very soft and paper thin just dropped under the roost. I've never come across 1 like this before. They always have great shells. Had to toss it, almost busted in my hand picking it up. Has anyone else seen this before?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

It happens....misfire in the shell gland or premature expulsion. Do you have new layers or birds just coming back into lay in your flock?

 

[Gary palmer]

They've been laying for a while. Sounds like I shouldn't be worried if it's just something that happens. Thanks for the info.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

They've been laying for a while. Sounds like I shouldn't be worried if it's just something that happens. Thanks for the info.

It's only worrisome if it becomes routine vs a novelty

 

[Gary palmer]

Right on, thanks

 

[Joeschooks]

It's not unusual from pullets as their reproductive system is maturing. If it happens with more mature layers it could indicate a lack of calcium and vitamin D (needed to absorb the calcium). Do you feed a good layers pellet and oystershell free choice? You could consider adding a tonic to their water. Keep an eye on her and if it only happens very rarely then its probably nothing to worry about. Do remove any soft eggs quickly because they are likely to eat them and that habit can be tricky to break.

 

[LovinThisFarmGirlLife]

It's not unusual from pullets as their reproductive system is maturing. If it happens with more mature layers it could indicate a lack of calcium and vitamin D (needed to absorb the calcium). Do you feed a good layers pellet and oystershell free choice? You could consider adding a tonic to their water. Keep an eye on her and if it only happens very rarely then its probably nothing to worry about. Do remove any soft eggs quickly because they are likely to eat them and that habit can be tricky to break.

I'm having the same issue as OP. I have 6 pullets and have found 4 eggs now that had paper-thin shells and were broken. I think I know exactly who is laying them, but I'm wondering how long this is acceptable before it becomes a problem? If it's normal for some pullets, how long is it normal for? I feed my chickens layer pellets and free choice oyster shells as well as dried mealworms as a snack every afternoon. Out of my 6 pullets, I know for sure two are laying and their eggs are just fine.

 

[Joeschooks]

I'm having the same issue as OP. I have 6 pullets and have found 4 eggs now that had paper-thin shells and were broken. I think I know exactly who is laying them, but I'm wondering how long this is acceptable before it becomes a problem? If it's normal for some pullets, how long is it normal for? I feed my chickens layer pellets and free choice oyster shells as well as dried mealworms as a snack every afternoon. Out of my 6 pullets, I know for sure two are laying and their eggs are just fine.

It sounds like they are getting all the calcium and nutrients that they need so soft eggs wouldn’t give me cause for concern with pullets. In fact I’d be surprised if you didn’t have a few strange eggs! Their reproductive system should mature within a few weeks in my experience.