Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: mambo on July 28, 2008, 07:41

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: mambo on July 28, 2008, 07:41

Hi,

One of my chooks has laid a couple of strange eggs, normal shape but of an extremely rough texture-like they've been dipped in concrete!

The chook seems well and there seems to be no problems around her vent.

Any ideas what might be causing this? The other three chooks are fine and laying normally.

Thanks for your help.

Mambo

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: Poolfield2 on July 28, 2008, 08:50

I'm interested in answers from the clever people cos one of mine did this a couple of times. Made my eyes water thining about it but she is fine now. :shock:

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: Roughlee Handled on July 28, 2008, 09:53

Photos please this may help identify the problem.


 :D

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: mambo on July 28, 2008, 10:03

Sorry,  I threw them away after cracking them to see if the yolk and white were normal, which they were.

Mambo

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: poultrygeist on July 28, 2008, 13:22

If I remember rightly, it's caused by excessive calcium being deposited in the shell, but can't remember why.

Don't if it's widely known, but on this very site is a whole series of articles explaining all sorts of things about chickens....

http://www.poultry.allotment-garden.org/sitemap.php

Sadly, couldn't find a bit about rough eggs.

I'll keep looking unless someone beats me to it.  :)

rob  8)

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: poultrygeist on July 28, 2008, 13:27

Just found this article from Thepoultrysite.....

EGG ARTICLE (http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1003/factors-influencing-shell-quality)

Explains a few things I've wondered about.

Rob  8)

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: Aunt Sally on July 28, 2008, 15:54

How old is the "rough" egg layer ?

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: mambo on July 29, 2008, 10:39

Hi,

Lisa, is a white star (very similar to a light sussex) and is 30 weeks old and has been laying daily since she was 22weeks old.

Her egg this morning was still slightly rough, but much better than her previous two. Not sure if they are safe to eat or not, so won't be taking any chances.

Thanks to all for your help and advice.

Mambo

Title: rough egg shell
Post by: Aunt Sally on July 29, 2008, 10:45

It will be perfectly safe to eat  :!:  

Make sure her nutrition is good.  She will smooth out the shell in time I'm sure