The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: IslandFarm on April 03, 2013, 09:32:51 pm
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Hello All
Looking for a bit of advice, we have been getting some funny egg shells from time to time from one of our hens.
All the hens are in good health.
Does anyone have any ideas what the issue is ?
They are fed mainly on layers pellets with some corn from time to time.
Thanks
Thomas
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Sometimes the shell forming process can throw a huly, often appearing uneven or 'lined'. Your pic appears to be quite a severe malformation but if it's not causing her any problems I wouldn't worry too much, but don't use her for breeding.
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Whoops last poster and I were typing at the same time. If the eggs appear to have a "Clock Face" then it is the result of 2 eggs in the egg canal at the same time, and can happen when a bird starts getting into lay before all systems are working properly
If the shell is extra heavy and malformed it can be the result of a disease which although the bird has recovered she will always be affected and eggs will be malformed.
It is far more likely to be the former :)
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Thanks for the info and will keep a close eye on her
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We occasionally get odd eggs, especially if the birds are coming to lay for the first time. Also, when we has an infestation of red mite it affected egg quality. Make sure the hens have access to grit to improve shell quality.
I think things like shock can also make a difference.
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I get an egg similar to that, from my oldest hen, I've always put it down to age!