[Jomtie]

Three of my four pullets have all recently come into lay. The first (a white tailed ranger) was about 10 days ago, followed about a week ago by the two Marans. My 4th pullet (a blacktailed ranger) is showing no signs at the moment, she's smaller, still narrow hipped and never crouches. We assume she's younger. Yesterday Margot, the coucou Marans, laid after 5pm and the shell was fairly dark, but it was slightly rougher than usual and had scratches on it. This morning both the white tailed ranger and the copper black Marans have laid as normal. We thought that Margot may miss a day as she laid so late yesterday.
When I gave the coop a final check about 5pm today there was a shell less yolk on the coop floor. It was in a thin membrane but was just the yolk. There was also some poo with a bit of thicker membrane in it. So I cleaned out the whole coop and checked thoroughly for red mite, dusting copiously with diatom. I haven't sprayed with poultry shield as it's too late for it to dry out, but will do in the morning. When I went to give them their feed at 6.30 there was an egg on the floor of the run. This one was a complete egg with no shell. I have no way of telling who is reponsible for either (or both) of these.
They free range in the garden for a few hours a day, are fed good quality layers meal, have free access to a mixture of grit and oyster shell. Their water is fresh and has apple cider vinegar with garlic in it. They also get a dessert spoon of natural probiotic yoghurt every day with some cooked, ground egg shell in it (which they love). Can anyone suggest what might have caused this and what I should do?

[dancing trousers]

Hi Jomtie, I'll be interested to hear any thoughts from experienced keepers because I had exactly the same thing.  Just a yolk left in the run with a little egg white like membrane but only a bit.  I assume it's my Amber Lee who is last to start laying and did another shell less egg a couple of days ago.  I was told by someone on the forum this is quite common in young birds as their bodies acclimatise to laying.

[ANHBUC]

It is usually young hens when first coming in to lay or elderly hens winding down. 

Sometimes you will get one that just lays them now and again like one of my Bovan Goldlines.  It is usually when she releases 2 yolks at the same time and her system tries to cope.  Sometimes 2 eggs in succession with little to no shell and other times a double yolker with soft shell.  The hens love to eat the softies so you may not always be aware that one has been laid.  If your hens are fit and well other than the softies they should be fine.  Cut down on any treats if it is persistant just feeding layers pellets and access to grit and oyster shell as you are doing.   

[Jomtie]

Well, our ranger and copper black have both laid as normal this morning, but Margot our coucou Marans hasn't laid again today, so we're wondering if it was her that had the shell less eggs late yesterday. She seems absolutely fine otherwise. Will wait to see if she lays tomorrow. When should we start to worry?

[ANHBUC]

I don't think Marans usually lay every day but I might be wrong.  I wouldn't worry just keep an eye out for any unusual behaviour.

If she is going to lay another softie you may see her puffed up with droopy wings and crouching.  Once she has laid she will perk up unless she has a second softie to lay.

[Jomtie]

Margot has laid a perfectly fine egg this morning. Lovely glossy brown speckled shell, so hopefully she is ok. Thanks for the advice.