⠀ problem egg laying

[Lisa3]

Our 6 month old buff orpington laid her first egg a week ago. Two days later it looked like the inside of an egg inside the coop (no shell) I did notice her start to peck at the egg once she was off of it. We have supplied her with a small amount of oyster shell but I am wondering if this is normal. She also did not use the nesting box to lay the egg, she used the corner of the top part of her coop. I notice she goes into the coop several times during the day but never lays an egg. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[junebuggena]

Shell-less eggs are very common for new layers, even when calcium is provided. It can take several weeks for a pullet to start laying consistently and regularly. Just be patient.

 

[Lisa3]

Thank you!

 

[DrPatrickBiggs]

Shell-less eggs are very common for new layers, even when calcium is provided. It can take several weeks for a pullet to start laying consistently and regularly. Just be patient.

Agreed!

As for where she is laying the egg, that is just a personal preference for the chicken. The majority of birds will lay in nest boxes, but there is always one that chooses to lay the egg wherever she wants. I would also suggest that you watch her and try to get the eggs out of the coop as quickly as possible. If she is pecking at the egg, she may become an "egg-eater." This is a difficult habit to break once it begins.