So this keeps happening.

[jbrianchamberli]

Only 1 or 2 of my black astra's are laying and this happens each and every time. Any idea why? The girls are free ranged and dont spent a lot of time in the coop unless it's night time.

 

[Lil' Chicky :)]

Only 1 or 2 of my black astra's are laying and this happens each and every time. Any idea why? The girls are free ranged and dont spent a lot of time in the coop unless it's night time.

Is it cracked?

 

[lazy gardener]

Are they just starting to lay? If so, that is an exploratory peck. The pullet is wondering what just fell out of her butt. Hopefully, she won't be rewarded by getting into the good stuff inside that shell. With new layers, IMO it's important to keep those eggs picked up out of the nests as often as possible.

 

[aart]

Are they just starting to lay? If so, that is an exploratory peck. The pullet is wondering what just fell out of her butt. Hopefully, she won't be rewarded by getting into the good stuff inside that shell. With new layers, IMO it's important to keep those eggs picked up out of the nests as often as possible.

Ditto Dat^^^


Are they laying in the coop...lots of bedding in nests?

 

[Patinas]

I agree that looks like a curiosity peck. If you let them free range all day, they may take to laying outside and not in the coop. You may need to keep them in the run/coop in the morning and let them out later in the day until you're sure they are using the nest boxes. I did that with mine and now even when they are out free ranging, they head for the coop if the egg urge hits them.

 

[chickens really]

Do you provide oyster shell?...Possibly shell is too weak....

 

[jbrianchamberli]

Yes, they get oyster shell. The membrane is in tact, but the shell just has a hole like it was pecked. The shells are also pretty hard.

Should I through the peckeg eggs away or are they safe to eat?