When to be Concerned

[GAchickennewbie]

My girls are cooped overnight and free-ranged from 3-12 hours/day.

Tender has been laying for over a year, but today's egg was different. She laid at a different time (I know they change time due to their clocks, etc), but her egg had a few rough spots on it.

When should I be concerned that she may be having trouble? She's eating and drinking normally and not hanging out around the coop during free-range time.

I love my girls. They are not only a source of eggs, but they are also adored and spoiled pets.

Are there things to look out for? I know I can't stop her from laying, but I don't want her to overdo it. The safety and health of my girls takes priority over any eggs they choose to give us.

 

[sourland]

It sounds as if there was simply excessive calcium depositation on the egg. It just happens sometimes. She may lay 'rough' eggs for a bit or she may never lay another one. I would be far more worried if she were laying soft shelled eggs.

 

[GAchickennewbie]

That makes me feel much better! Thank you!

It's funny you should say that! Egghead's eggs (just started laying a few weeks ago) have a few white spots on them. I thought it was her "unique mark". That could be the case with her as well. She's a barred rock. Tender is a black australorp.

 

[sourland]

Some hens will 'lay down' extra calcium on their eggs their entire lifetime. For others it's a now and then thing. For 'Egghead' this may well be her trademark.