[EmmaB]

Hi,
Today I found an egg in the coop with no sign of shell, it was almost complete! I also noticed a bit of egg white in the grass near one of the ladies favorite grubbing spot. Do you think the shell has been eaten? We have had them for 3 weeks now and only once had an egg broken/eaten, but the shell was left. "The Ladies" are ex intensive free range and about 75 weeks.
Any ideas?

[Kate and her Ducks]

Happens!

Make sure that they have plenty of oyster shell to pick at and are they on layers pellets? cutting out treats can help. If it is just a one of I really wouldn't sweat it but there are lots of things you can do if it becomes a recurrent problem.

[Foxy]

Hi Emma,

This is not unusual for exbatts. They have been layining prolifically and can use up their reserves of calcuim needed to make nice hard shells, plus the change in enviroment can account for odd eggs too.
Ensure they have plenty of oyster shell and good quality layers pellets to keep calcium levels up plus avoid treats like mixed corn and bread for a couple of weeks.

BTW have moved your thread to the "henhouse" which is the board to ask questions and chicken chat for a good old natter and show piccies of our chickens and ducks and well anything else really!

[Foxy]

Happens!

Make sure that they have plenty of oyster shell to pick at and are they on layers pellets? cutting out treats can help. If it is just a one of I really wouldn't sweat it but there are lots of things you can do if it becomes a recurrent problem.

ooooo afternoon Kate! didn't see you there!!!

[raechi]

ooohh - thats happened with me too - one of my ex battery hens - i was a bit worried - but from what i can see there is nothing toworry about.

Although between the 4 hens they have only laid 2 eggs in 4 days, and the shells have been quite soft - should i be concerned?

Think i'm turning in to a over protective mummy :-)

[niknik]

We too have had an egg with no shell, its very strange.  We think it is produced by the same chicken that is producing eggs with really soft shells which is causing a problem as the others love to eat it and make so much noise over the excitment of it all.  I remember seeing on this forum about some calcium supplement you could get at a 'horsey shop' but i have asked at Mole valley and they know nothing about it.   It was call Cali something, has anyone any ideas?