What does spotted eggs mean?

[FC16]

Never had this before but had 2 today like this? I’ve seen threads on this but seen so many different answers I’m not sure what it means

Last couple days I’ve let them free range more so they’ve had more grass/leaves in their diet, could this be something to do with it?

 

[FC16]

(Also are they ok to eat?)

 

[WIchickMama]

Ok to eat. I believe it had to do with the bloom covering, extra layers in spots. (I think)

 

[rosemarythyme]

They're perfectly fine to eat. Some birds tend to lay spotted eggs, it could be the way they lay down pigment or calcium on the shells.

 

[aart]

'Speckled' eggs can happen for several different reasons...very few, if any, of which are a 'problem'.

Can be caused by:
Excess or uneven pigment coating.
Excess or uneven cuticle(bloom).
Excess calcium deposits.
Porous eggs can appear speckled.
Some birds lay them consistently, some only once in awhile.

The pigment or bloom can change appearance when wet, then change back when dry again.

As long as bird is getting a good diet and is healthy in every other way, it is no cause for concern.

 

[neo71665]

I have one that lays eggs like that. Nothing to worry about as long as you are giving the birds everything they need.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I’ve seen threads on this but seen so many different answers I’m not sure what it means

It could be caused by different things. Often if a hen lays an egg like that she consistently lays eggs like that, but sometimes it's a one off. It may be how her internal egg making system is put together, maybe stress, maybe diet, maybe something else. It is purely cosmetic, nothing to worry about. The eggs are safe to eat, you could hatch them if they are fertile.

Don't let the word "stress" stress you out. Any change can cause them temporary stress. It sounds like you are allowing them to forage more than usual. That is enough to add stress since it is a change, as much as they may enjoy that.

 

[3KillerBs]

I've got several girls who routinely lay eggs like that. I think they're pretty.