Egg Without a Shell What Could Be the Cause?

[RoosterRambler]

I've got a mixed flock of Easter Eggers, Red Stars, and a Red Cochin bantam (who hasn't laid yet). They all started laying in late November/early December, but recently I've had some messy nesting boxes. Today I found an egg without a shelljust yolk and whites.

I'm feeding them Purina Layer Crumbles with the Oyster Strong System. Could this be a calcium issue or just because they're still young?

Would love some advice! Thanks!

[BackyardBanter]

One possibility is that the feed itself might not have enough calcium for their needs. You might want to supplement with some oyster shell. Another reason could be that theyre still getting used to the whole laying process, which is common in younger hens. Keep providing the calcium and give it some time. As they mature, their eggs should become more consistent!

[Eggplorer]

It could definitely be a calcium issue, so I recommend offering oyster shell free-choice alongside their feed. If theyre young, they might not be laying solid eggs yet. Id give it some time and keep providing extra calcium. Also, make sure to check that your feed isnt too old, as it can lose its nutritional value over time.

[FowlFolklore]

You could try adding some extra calcium by offering oyster shell free-choice. Even though your feed has oyster shell, some hens might need more depending on their individual needs. It could also just be a phase since theyre still young layers. Give them time and keep an eye on ithopefully, the eggs will become more consistent!

[BarnyardBeast]

Ive experienced the same thing with my young hens, and I think its a combination of them still adjusting to laying and possibly not getting enough calcium. You can try adding crushed oyster shell or other calcium supplements to their diet. It may take time for their bodies to get used to the process, so dont worry too much yet. I would also monitor their behavior in the nesting boxes to see if theyre picking at the eggs before laying.

[Eggnigma]

It could definitely be due to a calcium deficiency, or it might just be a result of them still maturing as layers. Sometimes younger hens haven't fully developed the ability to lay a perfect egg consistently. I'd suggest giving them access to extra oyster shell and maybe adding some eggshells to their feed for a little extra boost.

[FeatheredTrailblazer]

Have you tried adding extra calcium to their diet? Sometimes even with layer feed, they may need more calcium than what's in the crumbles. You can try adding free-choice oyster shell, which helps a lot with shell quality. It could also be that they are still young and their laying cycles haven't fully stabilized yet.

[FlockGuardian]

Definitely offer some extra oyster shell or crushed eggshells for added calcium. It's also possible that your hens are just adjusting to the laying process, especially since they're still young. As they mature, you'll likely see fewer soft or shell-less eggs. Keep an eye on it, and they should improve over time!

[DustyTalons]

Sounds like your hens are still adjusting to laying. You could try adding extra calcium through oyster shell, which can help them strengthen their shells. It's also common for young hens to occasionally lay soft or shell-less eggs as they mature. Hopefully, things will improve as they get older and their laying cycles become more consistent!

[DownyDreamkeeper]

I agree that adding some oyster shell to their diet could help! Even though you're feeding layer crumbles, some hens might need extra calcium. You could also try offering them other calcium-rich foods like leafy greens or even crushed eggshells from previous eggs. This can help prevent soft shells or no shells at all.