What is this?

[Pokeemomma]

Found this in the nesting boxes. I have had 4 RIR for a month and no eggs. Today I found this.

 

[Pokeemomma]

Sorry~ I was told they were 2 years old. Two of them appear to be molting. They have oyster shell grit available to them.

 

[happyhens1972]

It's called a 'lash'. It is a mass containing excess tissue and matter from the reproductive tract. It CAN (but does not always) signify the end of a hen's productive life. It is nothing to worry about and does not mean the hen is ill. Do a search on Google for more information...put in 'egg lash'.