Two first eggs at the same time!

[LeahOregon]

I'm thrilled, but need some advice. We got 4 hens about 2.5 weeks ago. Only one of them has laid so far, but I went and checked on them a while ago, and 2 of the others were hanging in the nesting boxes. I gave them a little privacy and checked on them about 15 minutes later. There was a lovely egg in one box (laid by the older barred rock) and one broken soft-shelled egg in the other (laid by a red star about a month younger). I know soft shells are common in early layers, but what worries me is that my white rock was feasting on it! I got all the remnants out immediately so she wouldn't get crazy on it.

Should I assume the egg broke on its own because of the soft shell, and she was just taking advantage of an opportunity? I don't want my girls to become egg eaters! Any advice?

Thanks,

Leah

 

[chickaddict]

I've seen mine do the same thing but only if the egg is broken. I"ve never seen them break it to eat one. I wouldn't worry about unless they are the ones breaking the egg. in the mean-time try adding a little oyster shell to their feed. It will strenghten the shell.