Strange Rubbery Ball in Chicken Coop?

[swolf423]

. Hi there! Today I was collecting eggs from my chicken coop and there was this odd rubbery thing in with the eggs. It was about the size of a walnut or golf ball and it had that slimy stuff attached to the ball. It has a thick skin that gives slightly when squeezed. Is this an egg? If not, what is it? Thanks!

 

[Mister B]

Did you open it?

 

[swolf423]

No I did not. It was very tough and I was honestly grossed out!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I would post in this thread to see if anyone can help: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/18/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying good luck to you.

 

[Mister B]

Yeah some of the things they make are EWW!


I would say it was a malformed egg. But I am no egg expert, so I may have to differ to more knowledgable posters. Do you have young hens? Are they getting enough calcium? A young hen or old one may do something like that. One near molting can too. Not enough calcium can be a problem too. Or, It was just a weird thing. Weird things happen.

 

[swolf423]

There is one young hen so it could be that. I have had tiny first eggs before but nothing like this! Lol. I hope that's it and nothing is wrong. I am not sure if they're getting enough calcium because they are just fed chicken feed.(they technically aren't MY chickens, but a man I work for's so I really don't have much say)

 

[Mister B]

Ahh. They need calcium. Layer pellets/mash has it built in. He can give them oyster shell, limestone (crushed) or crushed and chopped eggshell. Make sure the eggshell isn't in egg shape anymore. Some people say it will make the chickens start eating eggs. Idunno, but I put mine in a blender I got at a yard sale.

 

[swolf423]

Okay thanks! I put lime on the bottom of the chicken coop when I clean so I guess I could see if they want that and also crush up some egg shells. Thanks!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X2, if he is not feeding them Layer food be sure they have oyster shell available on the side. That lump/egg looks like it might be what they call a lash or lash egg, Sometimes they come with an egg, sometimes they are just "laid" alone. They seem to think it is part of the lining of the hens reproductive system, often seems to happen with hens that are internal laying also. Old BYC thread on them and some links with other pics.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/473989/weird-egg-weird-clump-lash-graphic-pics
http://www.pocketfarm.co.uk/an-egg-of-any-shape/
http://thehappyhens.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/lash-eggs-thank-goodness-theyre-rare/

 

[swolf423]

Thank you!! That's exactly what it was, the lash. I'm glad it isnt really harmful