Unformed egg

[Yogi Hollow Farm]

Question: have a leghorn pullet that has been laying since this month. Other pullets have laid soft shell eggs here and there. But not with regularity and getting plenty of calcium in addition to quality feed. Tonight leghorn was free ranging and laid a soft egg that fell apart as it came out. She already laid another egg this morning. Anything else I can do? And have read it happens from time to time.

 

[MysteryChicken]

What other things have you been feeding other then their main food? Treat wise.

 

[mcdze]

only input i can offer is chickens like to be on a regular schedule and things that scare them or make them nervous effects their laying .. also, although theyre filthy lol, they like a clean place . its up to you to make sure theyre cozy and dont be weedeating around the coop with them in it and things like that for an example ..

 

[CluckerFamily]

Their bodies are trying to figure themselves out.
If you provide oyster shells in a separate dish, they will pick what they need.
What is your quality feed? Is it All Flock, Layer, etc.?

 

[Willow2253]

Like you said, it happens sometimes. The first couple of months of egg laying can be a little weird while their bodies figure it out.

 

[Chick_Maelle]

I have the same problem, but my hen is 4 years old.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I have the same problem, but my hen is 4 years old.

Do you provide oyster shells?

 

[Chick_Maelle]

Do you provide oyster shells?

I do in the winter. They free range and eat outdoor grit like pebbles and stuff, so I didn’t think it was necessary?

 

[CluckerFamily]

Grit is different than oyster shells. I think she is missing her oyster shells that help her make egg shells. See if you notice any difference if you put out a dish of oyster shells. What is nice is that oyster shells won't spoil.

 

[Willow2253]

I do in the winter. They free range and eat outdoor grit like pebbles and stuff, so I didn’t think it was necessary?

Grit is just for grinding food in their gut. Oyster shell breaks down and provides calcium to form eggshells. It’s best to have it available free choice at all times for hens of laying age.