6/24/2023 0 Comments Misshapen eggs in chickenOn rare occasions, two chicks have hatched from one egg, but the conditions aren’t ideal, so you may not want to risk it. Usually much larger than your hen’s normal eggs, double-yolkers make great eating but aren’t the best for hatching. This results in one of the most thrilling breakfast discoveries of all time: a double-yolker! When ovulation happens quickly, sometimes two yolks are released simultaneously and become encased in the same shell. Should your flock show other indications associated with those diseases, consult a veterinarian immediately. If this is the case, the majority of the flock would demonstrate symptoms, and they would occur with frequency. However, continued spots or textured shells might be a result of disease, such as Newcastle or infectious bronchitis. These conditions can increase a hen’s metabolism and reduce the level of calcium available for suitable shells.Īs always, provide oyster shells in a separate container in addition to plenty of fresh water, and see if the deposits subside. The flock may be receiving too much or not enough calcium, particularly if the weather has been extraordinarily hot or humid. Do keep an eye on the flock should the symptoms manifest in many birds at the same time. Typically, rough spots that occur once in a while from a hen or two are nothing to worry about. Hens receive phosphorus by eating bugs with exoskeletons, such as beetles, so allow them to free-range to find their own sources. Without phosphorus, a hen isn’t able to absorb and metabolize the calcium available to her. Roughness on an eggshell is usually the result of a calcium or calcium-to-phosphorus imbalance. Sometimes, you may find that a hen lays a shell-less egg just before or after an egg with added calcium deposits. Rough spots, or calcium deposits, can manifest on a shell in a number of ways: coarse bumps, large or bulbous calluses or discoloration. Accidental breakage could lead to your birds discovering the tasty yolks and developing egg-eating habits, which, when established, are nearly impossible to break-no pun intended! Consider culling the bird from the flock, and avoid hatching any chicks from the hen so as not to pass on the trait.įinally, take care not to break a thin-shelled egg when collecting it from the nest box, and remove it from the coop as soon as possible. If you do find a bird that consistently lays soft eggs, despite calcium supplements and general good health, it may be a hereditary trait that is out of your control. Be sure to provide oyster shells as a calcium supplement to your hen’s daily diet, offered free-choice at all times. Laying hens will sense their deficiency and only take what they need-no more, no less. If your birds have been in production for several years, soft or shell-less eggs may be an indication of a mineral or vitamin deficiency, usually calcium. Soft eggs are to be expected from older hens, too. If a flock is just starting to lay, these eggs are very common and are nothing to worry about. Minimize the disturbances in and around the coop when it’s time to lay, as auditory scares (such as a chain saw or leaf blower, for instance) could unduly stress your birds. These eggs may be the result of several stressors, such as water shortages, drastic changes in lighting or even loud noises. Like tiny, yolkless eggs, soft or shell-less eggs are usually laid early in a pullet’s reproductive maturity and are distinguished by a paper-thin or malleable shell. Luckily, we have a bit more information on the elusive, tiny eggs these days and can enjoy a good laugh instead! For these no-yolkers, the shell may also be thin, so handle with care.Īnother antiquated term for these wee orbs is “cock eggs.” Folklore leads us to believe that eggs with no yolks were laid by roosters, and if hatched, would produce a terrifying, serpent-like creature! Naturally, those eggs were destroyed. Not to worry: As a hen’s reproductive tract matures, her eggs will become larger and more consistent in the size, color and shape for her breed. These oddities are characterized by their small size, round shape and resemblance to grapes or marbles. Sometimes called dwarf, wind or-my personal favorite-fart eggs, an egg without a yolk is usually a young pullet’s first attempt at laying. Sometimes, though, bizarre eggs may indicate a deficiency in vitamins or a hereditary anomaly you need to be aware of, but there’s no need to be alarmed! If you take a few easy steps, you can help your hens along. On the whole, egg abnormalities should usually not cause any concern. Odd eggs are par for the course in the world of backyard chicken-keeping and are usually still fine for the frying pan, as well as a little laugh.
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