Soft shell and an Eater

[Lumley Farm]

Hello BYC enthusiasts! I was wondering if anyone had any tricks to find out who in the flock, (I only have 6 hens) is laying softies and I believe eats some of it. I saw the possible culprit sitting in the nest box, but when I go out about an hour later, she has left an empty nest and just under the night roosting perch (which sits above the boxes) I find a wet spot and did find the soft shell. Not 100% sure, but want to make sure I cull the right one. Any ideas to make sure? I don't have a camera.
I unfortunately am a seasoned culler, having just culled three last week due to suffering malnutrition and sickness. All the other girls are fine. An older one who I believe is 4 years old and in retirement (Americana). Thanks in advance.

 

[rosemarythyme]

How much spare time do you have? You could go out multiple times a day to see who is laying where to try and match up bird to egg (and behavior).

Or you could isolate suspected birds one at a time to see what they lay - it's a bit stressful for the birds but they'll lay even if they're in a crate, so that would give you a definite answer.

 

[Fluffy_Butt_Hutt]

Hello BYC enthusiasts! I was wondering if anyone had any tricks to find out who in the flock, (I only have 6 hens) is laying softies and I believe eats some of it. I saw the possible culprit sitting in the nest box, but when I go out about an hour later, she has left an empty nest and just under the night roosting perch (which sits above the boxes) I find a wet spot and did find the soft shell. Not 100% sure, but want to make sure I cull the right one. Any ideas to make sure? I don't have a camera.
I unfortunately am a seasoned culler, having just culled three last week due to suffering malnutrition and sickness. All the other girls are fine. An older one who I believe is 4 years old and in retirement (Americana). Thanks in advance.

Chances are, she isn't eating it and it is popping. The membrane should be somewhere and popped. It will absolutely stink within 24 hours. How old is your suspected bird? Is she new to laying? Was your previous cullings connected to weight loss due to sickness or simply being underfed/fed harmful things? Yes, laying weird eggs could easily be due to numerous kinds of illnesses. Easiest one for me to think of is worms.