What’s causing this?

[Runnerduck918]

For the last day or so I have found two eggs with the same type of crack in them...is there something causing it that I’m missing? Or just bad luck...they keep there nest right in front of the coop door...so don’t know if when I let them out is when it happens...thanks for any info

 

[lazy gardener]

Those are exploratory pecks. You might want to give them more calcium. Offer free choice oyster shell if you are not already doing so. You might want to check the mill date on their feed. The nutrients start to oxidize, and food value is compromised after 6 weeks. Perhaps a multi vit? IMO, calcium is not the bottom line re: shell quality. Other vitamins and minerals play a crucial role.

 

[happy duck]

I do not know much about eggs, but I just want to say good luck with the egg cracks!

 

[cottontail farm]

Yep. Those are pecks. Do your ducks live with chickens? It is it possible you have crows visiting... although if it were crows they usually eat the whole egg.

 

[happy duck]

I have read that ducks will eat their own eggs in the wild. This may be a result of the wild Instinct returning. Watch your ducks with their eggs. If you can.

 

[Runnerduck918]

They get fresh oyster shell every day and i only have the ducks no chickens...i will check the mill date on the feed! I didnt know about the 6wks thing!! Thank you all!!!

 

[Runnerduck918]

And I went down to give them dinner and found two soft eggs...ugh I feel like I’m doing something wrong...

 

[Runnerduck918]

I just want them to be healthy

 

[CayugaJana]

You aren’t doing anything wrong..... I have had a hard time getting one of my females to eat the oyster shell. It’s like she was too busy doing other things to take time to eat the shell. I locked her in a pen with only food, water, and the shells for several days. It may be a coincidence, but she hasn’t laid a soft shell since.

 

[Runnerduck918]

Thank you!! I’m going to do a little tough love..