tough eggs

[MelB]

This is the first year I've had chickens - when I try to crack open the eggs they're quite difficult to break and it seems the membrane on the inside is quite tough. Inevitably I end up with pieces of egg shell in the bowl with the eggs. Is this because they are so fresh or do i need to change something with their diet?

 

[sheaviance1]

Mine are the same way, I think that's the way they are supposed to be if their diet is good. I had to use a knife on mine this morning to cut the inner membrane. I have purchased farm-fresh eggs for years, and i think it's just the nature of the beast when they are raised properly.

 

[GraceAK]

Mine did that too. I think it is because they are so fresh. They don't do it anymore, but I theorize that that is because they sit around for a few days before I use them.
Also, my thumbnail has gotten longer and sharper, so that helps.

 

[midget_farms]

Give this a try.


https://www.ezcracker.com/?MID=722585

Ha!

Actually - your eggs are really healthy. Nice hard shell is good, & the membrane will get weaker if you let them sit in the fridge for a month or so.

 

[Kittymomma]

Pretty normal. I've found that as my pullets mature the shells and membranes thin out a bit, they're still hard but not tough like the first couple of months.

 

[turtlebird]

Yup, that's a farm fresh egg!
I crack the egg and then stick my thumb in there to break the membrane, THEN pull the shell apart. Works pretty slick!
A friend also has raises her own chickens, but ran out of eggs once. She bought some from the store and when she went to crack it, she smashed it to smithereens!
It takes a little getting used to, but once you get it down, you will enjoy crunchless morning eggs!

 

[CMV]

It's also related to your hens' age. When my old ladies were in their prime they laid eggs like that, but over time the shells get paler and thinner, and the membranes get less elastic.

You think chicken eggs are tough? You should try a duck egg. Those babies can be dropped from 4 feet onto a hardwood floor and still not break. Amazingly tough eggs.

 

[MelB]

Thank you!