I went for my afternoon check for straggler eggs and I think I found one- one of my hens was pecking at something gelatinous that looked like an egg white and yolk, and there was a skin-like white mass that she gobbled down before I could get it from her- it was really disgusting, and I have no idea what it could have been- do hens ever lay soft-shell eggs? ick
eeeewwww- soft shell eggs?!!??
Yes they do, sometimes when they are young and just starting laying they will sometimes lay a soft shell one and sometimes even older hens will lay them. It is odd looking and yes can be grouse if you see them eat it. It's best if they don't eat them because it could start an egg eating habit but unless you check for eggs often and catch them it would be hard to stop them from eating it too.
Sellier: I'm sorry but can't help laughing, Yes they are just like cat's with mice. Your not getting this it is mine. The quicker you move the quicker they gobble. Yes it is disgusting, but remember hopefully this is what seperates us from the animal kingdom. Haystack
eww.. i did not know this one. i will be looking in the nest box before i stick my hand in there from now on.
My Brown Leghorn just laid her first egg. It was pure white, but with a very soft shell. In fact, it looks like she sat on it. Is it safe to assume that this is just because she is young (5 and a half weeks) ? I just got some calcium feed yesterday. Does that have anything to do with it? Should I do anything about this?
Thanks!
Five and a half....months?
Probably not because of low calcium this time--they just tend to lay them when they first start. But the calcium is good to go with when they are laying steadily.
Months, yes sorry.
Is there anything I should be doing for her?
Just feed her well and make sure she has access to calcium. I think chickens probably differ individually in their calcium requirements, but heavy layers like Longhorns should do fine as long as they are on "layer crumble" or pellets which have extra calcium added (the extra calcium is not good for chicks, which is why you feed them chick starter for the first few months) and can free supplement with ground eggshells or oyster shells...something to give them a little extra should they need it.
My Longhorns aren't heavy layers, in fact they have yet to produce an egg. Heavy - yes, layers - no.
Actuality, it is a Leghorn. I understand that the white ones are prolific layers and are the ones they use for eggs we get in the supermarket. She is fairly small compared to my Brahmas!
Anyway, she has not laid an egg since that first one, a week ago. She seems fine, eating and chatting with the others. Should I worry, or wait? Or wait and worry?
My pullets laid sporadically for their first few weeks. I wouldn't be concerned yet.
This makes me think of something a friend told me -- maybe y'all can confirm or deny. She said when a hen lays an egg, it is soft and hardens instantaneously on coming into contact with air.
???
I Have no idea if that is so, but it would make the whole process more comfortable, so I'd like to believe it. (Darn longhorns still aren't laying.)
Porkpal,
If one of your longhorns ever lays an egg please post a pic....hahaha!! It would sure make a heck of an omelet.
Marvelous things happen in Texas. :P
I'll keep checking.
Ah...porkpal....Longhorn/Leghorn....what's in a name?
You will be contacted shortly about something that may be to your advantage...or not:0)