really gross egg

[sewingca]

i wanted the egg to as authenic as possible, but I guess I could have cleaned the shavings off! We slit the membrane and cracked the inner egg. It was a blue hard shell and stinky, but normal, contents. Had to hold on to it 'til all could see the peculiar egg. It's now in the garbage. There is a chicken swap in our area this Sunday. I'll have to print some pictures to show. Again, thanks to all for your supportive comments.

Caroline

 

[sewingca]

Agnes has laid her second egg - about a month after the first. It is way bigger than the store bought extra large and the shell is very thin. In fact, it was cracked a bit at the top - perhaps she stepped on it or one of the kids pecked at it. In any case, would laying mash help make the shell thicker? Or do I need to purchase grit or gravel or what? Thanks, guys!

 

[ChickBond 007]

Do you offer oyster shell calcium to the chickens?

 

[Chickenaddict]

SHe should definately be on layer feed. Offer her oyster shells as well for strengthening the shell

 

[clarkestep]

Quote:
If she isn't on laying pellets/mash (the same thing, one is just a pellet the other is just in a crumbled form) go ahead and put her on it. Also offer her some crushed oyster shell. Her eggs will harden tomorrow or the next few days! Congrats on your egg!

 

[fordmommy]

 

[sewingca]

Thank you everyone! I hope it won't be another month before she produces another egg. I will follow your advice. My other girls are Wyandottes and I understand that they are about 3-4 months away from laying. The new diet can't hurt them - food is food.

 

[sewingca]

My sweet Agnes is laying on a regular basis now - like every other day or so. She's the only one laying so far. I have another question, though. The white of the egg is cloudy. I'm using them in cookies and cake 'cause I am a little squeamish to scramble them for breakfast. Is the cloudiness normal? Does it indicate some deficiency or what? Thank you all.

 

[rdranch]

The cloudiness is a good sign. If I remember right it's carbon dioxide in the white that makes it cloudy. Sounds like Agnes has her plumbing in good working order now!

 

[cmom]

The cloudy appearance of an egg white actually indicates freshness, due to its higher carbon dioxide content. As the egg ages, the carbon dioxide escapes and the egg white becomes more transparent.