Soft shell egg--first egg for my last non-laying duck?

[Duckworth]

Sometime this afternoon, one of my ducks laid a soft shelled egg in the doorway to the enclosed run. There were three normal eggs in the nest in the duck house this morning, as usual. I have four WH ducks, but until today, I have always had three eggs in the nest each morning, so I have been assuming that three are laying. Before the third one started, I always had two eggs. So I think the same three have been laying.

I feed Nutrena layer pellets and have free choice oyster shell and cracked corn. They don't seem to go for the cracked corn, but with the weather turning colder, I wanted to offer something with more calories. The straw I use also has some seed heads and the ducks spend all day rooting through the straw for good things to eat.

Is this soft shelled egg likely to have been laid by my fourth duck as a first egg, or is it more likely that one of my other ducks laid a second egg today. We have never had a soft or otherwise abnormal egg before.

Thanks in advance!

 

[peterlund]

I wouldn't worry. Actually you are fortunate to even find it, as they are so fragile theyvusually break and are eaten promptly. It happens. Not a food or nutrition issue.... just happens

 

[Duckworth]

The "first eggs" of each of my other ducks were distinctive in that they had a heavy coat of lubricant that made it different from the others. I'm hoping that this is my fourth duck starting up, but it could also be one of my regular layers. I guess I'll see what I find in the nest tomorrow morning.

 

[peterlund]

The "first eggs" of each of my other ducks were distinctive in that they had a heavy coat of lubricant that made it different from the others. I'm hoping that this is my fourth duck starting up, but it could also be one of my regular layers. I guess I'll see what I find in the nest tomorrow morning.

Yup. Tomorrow is another day. I envy you..... had. Small flock of Muscovy ducks a few years ago.... AMAZING eggs. So much flavor and texture.
Good luck. Keep us updated.

 

[Amiga]

I would keep an eye out. A few if mine do not seem to get enough calcium from feed and oyster shell, so I occasionally supplement with calcium citrate, dissolved in water and added to feed or peas.

 

[Duckworth]

I got two eggs the morning after and three this morning. All were normal. I think I have three ducks laying and one that hasn't started yet. I did put a small dish of oyster shells inside their night house, though I don't have water in there.

 

[chickens really]

Without water they can choke on the oyster shell...Put it outside during the day ...

 

[Duckworth]

Without water they can choke on the oyster shell...Put it outside during the day ...

Done! I already had it out during the day, but, after reading an article on egg formation and calcium, was concerned they might be needing more during the night.

 

[chickens really]

Done! I already had it out during the day, but, after reading an article on egg formation and calcium, was concerned they might be needing more during the night.

No....Your worrying too much....Don't over think things...

 

[casportpony]

I would keep an eye out. A few if mine do not seem to get enough calcium from feed and oyster shell, so I occasionally supplement with calcium citrate, dissolved in water and added to feed or peas.

X2, definetly something to pay attention to. If problem persists, time to think about supplementing a calcium that's easier to absorb, like calcium citrate.