Yolks

[Rudkin]

The eggs we have been getting from our hens lately seem to have really weak yolks. They break everytime I crack an egg. Even when I try to roll it out of the shell gently. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Is it something to do with their diet?

 

[charlottejb]

Has it been particularly sunny where you live?
Yolks tend to deteriorate if they are left for even over an hour in hot weather.
Make sure that oyster shells and grit are available to them, they help improve the quality. Also, you might want to try changing the brand of feed you give them, as some contain antibiotics which cause a weak yolk membrane. Are the yolks lighter in colour?

 

[Rudkin]

We are in Kansas. It has been pretty sunny lately. Finally got some rain yesterday after a very dry stretch. The eggs are in the coop and we collect them every evening so they aren't out there too long.
The yolks don't seem really light but it's been so long since I have seen a store egg yolk I don't remember how light is light. haha
I will check out the brand of feed and see what's in it. I will alos make sure they are getting more oyster shell and grit.
Can't you grind up the egg shells and give them that too?
Thank you for your input!

 

[charlottejb]

Yeah, you can grind up their egg shells, it does provide them with more calcium. You're meant to bake them first and then crush them. However, some people say it can promote egg-eating, so be careful!
I have 4 hens, and I just make sure oyster shells and grit are available, I haven't tried the egg shells yet, but I've never really had much problem with weak yolks. You could give it a try if nothing else works

 

[Poulet Mama]

I haven't had trouble with egg eating after giving my hens their own eggshells to eat. They were ground up finely, though, so I don't think they made the connection.