Shell-less egg broken before laying

[tjcib]

1st pic is what my wife pulled out of the vent. 2nd is a bad attempt to get the whole thing...


Have 6 Australorps about 24 weeks. Three are laying thus far. Arrived home and went to let them out of the run and one had something protruding out of her vent.

It looks like a shell-less egg that she was having trouble laying. The membrane was hanging from her vent. I grabbed her and my wife pulled the membrane off/out of the vent. The yolk-ish part fell to the ground and got instantly snatched up (yuck). Her entire backside was wet.

Is this something that could happen to a new layer, or a problem to address?

They are on feed from TSC as well as scraps/treats in moderation. Her behavior seemed normal both before and immediately after. Checked on her later and she was scratching away and dust bathing...

 

[orrpeople]

Check the protein level of your feed. I often find my layers will have more problems with egg issues if they're not just eating about 16% (including snacks - we had to stop giving them meal worms. )
That said, some hens are more prone to egg laying issues than others - especially those bred for higher productivity. Just keep an eye on her and hopefully there won't be any further issues. You can always give her a nice warm Epsom bath soak to relax her muscles.
Best of luck with your girl!

 

[tjcib]

Thanks. They are on 16% food now. Most of our treats are plant-based, not protein. I will say that I haven't put out calcium much because not all are laying and read that too much too soon is bad...

Oh the struggles we go through for our girls...

 

[orrpeople]

Thanks. They are on 16% food now. Most of our treats are plant-based, not protein. I will say that I haven't put out calcium much because not all are laying and read that too much too soon is bad...

Oh the struggles we go through for our girls...

Yes, adding calcium free choice is good. Do they free range? Sometimes my girls come into contact with high protein snacks that way too. And, I have a couple of fairly chronic softie layers - but have decided not to restrict them from being out and about because of it. Kind of one of those things we weigh the pros and cons and then make the best possible decision for them.

 

[aart]

They are on 16% food now.

Is it layer feed...with 3-4% calcium?

Hopefully this was a one time glitch...keep an eye on her.

 

[tjcib]

I can report that all 6 girls are laying delicious, shelled eggs at this point.

Looks like it was just a growing pain. Though I found they GREATLY prefer broken egg shells to oyster shells.