Soft shell egg?

[Vamvakas]

I just went to go close the chicken coop and then I saw an egg and picked it up. I picked it up, and it's a soft shell egg. The shell is not hard and it feels like a mini water ballon or like a reptile egg..

Is this normal? Why did this happen? Ever happen to you?

 

[Discoduck]

I just experienced the same thing myself. From what I have read it is a lack of calcium. They suggest adding oyster shells to the food.

 

[ella]

I've had chickens for about 8 years now and I've observed that it just happens sometimes, usually with younger hens. It doesn't have anything to do with calcium intake in my experience, it's just an fluke.

Although if you're worried about the calcium situation it doesn't hurt to have a dish with oyster shell out for them to take what they want. I buy a bag every 3 years or so (it takes 30 hens that long to go through it!) and put it in a cup for them to take what they need.

 

[Help_battery_hens]

I have also just found exactly the same in my girls nest this evening. this is the second time in a month that it has happened. my girls have oyster shells in a cup and i see them pecking from it. i know that cider vinegar in their diet can help with the absobtion of calcium. i am thinking of seeing the vet to see if he can give a calcium injection.. but i need to find out which hen it is that is laying these eggs...
anyone have any ideas?