What is wrong with these girls?

[rancher hicks]

I have eight breeds all brown egg layers or so it would seem. They're over a year and have been laying brown eggs to one degree or another. Now some of them are laying white eggs. I'm not sure which but I suspect the Wyandottes or the Aussies. They're trying to grow back feathers from that brute Eric. Who is history.
They have been free ranging in the yard since spring has sprung.
Since only my Dels are pure it's not likely I will be hatching any of these eggs. The only thing I can think of is that they are eating the oyster shell grit which is powdery and white of course, or it's due to their effort in growing back their feathers. I have switched to Dumore laying feed from Blue Seal Layena. Other than that I have no idea why they are laying white eggs.

I haven't seen any signs of worms but have tossed some DE in their feed, but they started laying white eggs before that.

Oh and I have put ACV in their water on occasion. Once or twice a month and only til the next water change, which is usually done three times a day. I like clean water and so do they.

Anyone got any ideas?

 

[rancher hicks]

Why do I never get an answer when I'm knocking at your door?

 

[harewizard]

I read somewhere that the brown color on an egg comes from hemoglobin. The brown pigment is ooporphyrin, a break-down product of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells. I would assume you are on the correct path of thinking that growing feathers back; which requires protein, and laying eggs; which requires huge amounts of protein, is affecting the shell color.

My thoughts,
Lisa

 

[mdbokc]

Eleven minutes and talking about no one answering? Sheesh.

Now on topic. Mine lay brown and occasionally white. Never knew why, still don't and they still do. But they all taste great!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree. 11 minutes??? I take longer than that to respond to some posts. And I thought my wife was impatient.

Somedays mine lay eggs that are whiter than others. They are not molting or recovering from a molt. I'm not convinced that is the problem. I've read the same as what Harewizard said in that the brown coloring comes from breaking down hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hey, even red blood cells get oldand need to be recycled.

The coloring is put on late, after the main shell, which is white, has formed. I've read that stress can cause the shell to be lighter, I believe a University of Florida site but not sure. I don't remember it saying why stress would cause this. Maybe stress causes them to hurry the egg through the internal paint factory before it gets properly coated?

 

[jenjscott]

Also eggs get lighter towards the end of a laying cycle. Its a little early for molting, but maybe yours are on differednt schedule.

 

[rancher hicks]

Maybe I should put "impatient" in my tag line. I never said I was a patient person. I just figure if it gets to the second page no one will see it. I live in the fast lane. I'm old.

Anyhow thanks for the response. From now on I'll wait 12 minutes will that be better?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Quote:

I know it is hard sometimes waiting for an answer. But sometimes we just