Pieces of shell when egg cracked

[Birddog1148]

Didn't know where else to ask this. Since this is my first time with fresh eggs, I noticed the shells are much harder than store bought ones. And little pieces fall in the pan when I crack them open. Is this normal? Almost every egg does this.
Never had this happen near as often with white eggs.

 

[RaeRae2]

I don't eat eggs and rarely cook with them, but sometimes I do make my husband scrambled or fried eggs for breakfast. I have found that I have to WHACK my farm eggs on the counter or bowl once really hard to break the shell, instead of doing the typical "tap tap tap" that works fine for thin shelled store eggs. I know exactly what you mean about the pieces of shell falling into the egg! If you really whack it once, it works much better to break it cleanly.

Just so you know though - white doesn't have anything to do with it. Our white layers at home always had those super tough shells also. It's just that the white eggs you get at the store are from battery cage hens with poor diets.

 

[Dutchgirl]

This is normal. Thicker shells are a result of the hen getting more nutrients in her diet. And little pieces often fall in the pan.

 

[Birddog1148]

Thanks