Shelless Eggs

[ChicAddicted]

I'm new to backyard chicken keeping. I have two sexlinks that are just starting to lay. The first one has layed shelless eggs for three weeks now (just about one per day), and now the other is beginning to do the same (two days now). I've read that this is normal for the first couple of eggs they lay, but three weeks seems abnormal. I changed their feed almost right away (about three weeks ago) to a higher quality feed with plenty of calcium (according to the feed store). I'm also providing oyster shell (choice). What's going on? What might I try or is this totally normal?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

It may just be taking longer for their systems to all get in gear - each step along the way of egg formation involves a different mechanism or "moving part" and sometimes one begins to fire before or after another. You are providing what they need, and there really isn't anything you can "do" about it but to wait and see if their shell gland kicks on or not. They *could* have a defect that would prevent them ever laying shelled eggs, but I would not be at the point of giving over to that even at 3+ weeks with a brand new layer.

 

[ChicAddicted]

Thank you for reassuring me.

 

[<3ChickenForever]

I agree with Ol Grey! It is completely normal for their first eggs to be abnormal. I would wait a little longer before you start to worry. I think your hens will start laying shelled eggs soon though!