shell-less eggs?

[JML72]

Hi all - I'm running into an issue with my layers - every few days the eggs I find in a box are covered in dried yolk and shavings/nesting material. At first I thought I had an egg eater. But there is no sign of shell pieces in the box. I also think that if I had one or more eating eggs, they wouldn't necessarily smear it all over other eggs. Also, wouldn't a chicken then eat the yolk-covered eggs as well?

Do I have on that's just laying shell-less? And if so, would oyster shell supplement help with that?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Judy]

Certainly it's time to put some oyster shell in the coop. Offer it separately so they can eat what they want. You micht also put a Tums in their water a couple of times, as a boost. This is not something you want to do every day.

There is more than one cause of shell-less aggs but definitely worth a try.

 

[JML72]

Thanks FW - I'll try that out. It's not all the time that it happens, but twice now in 7 days (just started). I figures it wouldn't hurt. Just came here to ask about ideas before I jumped in on my own

If anyone else has insights as well I'll be happy to listen!

 

[donrae]

I've noticed it more with new layers, and birds that have just started laying again after a molt. With mine it's just worked itself out. I agree, it makes a huge, nasty mess in the nest box!