Why do I keep finding cracked eggs?

[shadowbanned]

I've only found a couple that were actually broken open so idk if they're trying to eat them. But it seems like I keep getting more and more that just have little cracks like it got pecked or stepped on. I don't know if they're any good after they get cracked I just cook them right away. Any advice?

 

[WIchickMama]

I throw cracked ones or cook them up and give them back to the chickens. I get too worried about bacteria

 

[shadowbanned]

I throw cracked ones or cook them up and give them back to the chickens. I get too worried about bacteria

So you get cracked ones too? I have 6 hens and I'm finding like 2 a day. Is that normal?

 

[WIchickMama]

So you get cracked ones too? I have 6 hens and I'm finding like 2 a day. Is that normal?

I don't get them very often. I feel like it is when there are a couple in the nesting boxes that someone might step on or something. I don't feel like mine are purposefully cracking them. I don't think it is normal to get them daily.

Are they getting enough calcium? Are the shells strong? Maybe they need more supplements.

 

[Isadora]

I only get cracked ones if they lay in the nest box after they have kicked all the bedding out of it.

 

[shadowbanned]

I don't get them very often. I feel like it is when there are a couple in the nesting boxes that someone might step on or something. I don't feel like mine are purposefully cracking them. I don't think it is normal to get them daily.

Are they getting enough calcium? Are the shells strong? Maybe they need more supplements.

Yeah they have strong shells. They had a couple soft ones and one with no she'll but it was when they first started laying. I give them oyster shell and crushed up egg shells and a good layer feed. I got a few double yolks.

 

[shadowbanned]

I only get cracked ones if they lay in the nest box after they have kicked all the bedding out of it.

You know what they have been kicking the bedding out of the nesting boxes.....

 

[shadowbanned]

Would it be ok to mix the oyster shell in with their layer pellets? Idk if they really need it in there. Can they get too much calcium?

 

[Isadora]

Would it be ok to mix the oyster shell in with their layer pellets? Idk if they really need it in there. Can they get too much calcium?

Do you have oyster shell available in a separate container? I have mixed oyster shell in with my feed in the past, but it was just for a week or two until my ducks learned that it was something they could eat. It is definitely possible to feed too much calcium if you have pullets that aren't laying yet or roosters. Really the best option for the oyster shell is to have it available 24/7 where they can help themselves.

 

[shadowbanned]

Yeah it's in a separate container but I'm not sure how much they're actually eating because they keep knocking it over lol